Nursing Elites

1. A nurse on a medical unit is preparing to discharge a client to home. Which of the following actions should the nurse take as part of the medication reconciliation process?

• A. Discontinue current medications
• B. Write new prescriptions
• C. Compare prescriptions with the client’s medications
• D. Ask the client to decide

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action in the medication reconciliation process is to compare prescriptions with the client’s medications. This step ensures that there are no conflicting medications prescribed, reducing the risk of adverse drug interactions. Discontinuing current medications or writing new prescriptions without comparing them can lead to errors and potential harm. Asking the client to decide is not appropriate in this context as it is the nurse's responsibility to ensure medication safety based on professional judgment and knowledge.

2. A nurse manager is preparing to complete staff performance appraisals. Which of the following principles should the nurse manager consider when completing the appraisals?

• A. Performance appraisals should be written in measurable terms
• B. Appraisal objectives should be applicable to staff at every level
• C. Performance appraisals should be based on the nurse manager's preferences
• D. Completed appraisals should be approved by a provider

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Performance appraisals should indeed be written in measurable terms to ensure objective evaluations based on specific outcomes achieved. This allows for a clear assessment of staff performance. Choice B is incorrect because appraisal objectives should be tailored to each staff member's role and responsibilities, not necessarily applicable at every level. Choice C is incorrect as performance appraisals should be objective and based on predefined criteria, not solely on the nurse manager's preferences. Choice D is incorrect as completed appraisals usually require approval from higher-level management or HR, not necessarily a provider.

3. A nurse is evaluating care of an immobilized patient. Which action will the nurse take?

• A. Involve primarily the patient's family and healthcare team to determine goal achievement.
• B. Focus on whether the interdisciplinary team is satisfied with the care.
• C. Use objective data solely to determine whether interventions have been successful.
• D. Compare the patient's actual outcomes with the outcomes in the care plan.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because comparing the patient's actual outcomes with the outcomes in the care plan is essential in evaluating the effectiveness of care provided to an immobilized patient. This comparison helps in identifying any disparities between the planned care and the actual care received, allowing the nurse to make necessary adjustments to improve patient outcomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while involving the patient's family and healthcare team, ensuring interdisciplinary team satisfaction, and using objective data are important aspects of patient care, they do not directly address the specific action needed to evaluate care for an immobilized patient.

4. A charge nurse is planning care for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel (AP)?

• A. Giving a glycerin suppository to a client for constipation
• B. Evaluating the effectiveness of ibuprofen administered to a client who reported a headache
• C. Discussing dietary changes with a client who has a prescription for a gluten-free diet
• D. Measuring hourly urinary output for a client who is postoperative

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because measuring hourly urinary output is a task that falls within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. This task involves a technical skill that can be delegated by the charge nurse. Choices A, B, and C require higher-level nursing assessments and interventions that should be performed by licensed nursing staff. Giving a glycerin suppository involves medication administration, evaluating the effectiveness of ibuprofen requires assessment and critical thinking, and discussing dietary changes involves education and assessment of the client's understanding and compliance, all of which are beyond the scope of practice for assistive personnel.

5. A client has a new prescription for beclomethasone inhaler to use with an albuterol inhaler for asthma maintenance. What should the nurse instruct the client?

• A. Skip doses if breathing improves
• B. Use the albuterol inhaler first
• C. Gargle with water after each use
• D. Store inhaler in the refrigerator

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to gargle with water after each use of the beclomethasone inhaler. Beclomethasone can cause oral thrush, and gargling with water helps prevent this complication. Choice A is incorrect because the client should not skip doses even if breathing improves, as the medications are prescribed for maintenance. Choice B is incorrect as there is no specific instruction to use the albuterol inhaler first in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect because inhalers should not be stored in the refrigerator unless specified by the manufacturer.

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