Nursing Elites

1. Nurses on an inpatient care unit are working to help reduce unit costs. Which of the following actions is appropriate to include in the cost-containment plan?

• A. Store opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
• B. Return unused supplies from the bedside to the unit's supply stock.
• C. Wait to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full.
• D. Use clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Using clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care is a cost-effective measure without compromising care quality. This choice helps in reducing costs without compromising patient safety. Storing opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours (Choice A) may lead to contamination risks. Returning unused supplies to the unit's supply stock (Choice B) can be inefficient and lead to potential waste. Waiting to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full (Choice C) may pose safety hazards and not directly impact cost savings.

2. A client is in DKA, secondary to infection. As the condition progresses, which of the following symptoms might the nurse see?

• A. Kussmaul's respirations and a fruity odor on the breath
• B. Shallow respirations and severe abdominal pain
• C. Decreased respirations and increased urine output
• D. Cheyne-Stokes respirations and foul-smelling urine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), as the condition progresses, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate, leading to Kussmaul's respirations. The accumulation of ketones in the body causes a fruity odor on the breath. Option A is correct because Kussmaul's respirations and a fruity odor on the breath are classic signs of DKA. Option B is incorrect because shallow respirations are not typically seen in DKA, and severe abdominal pain is more commonly associated with conditions like pancreatitis. Option C is incorrect as decreased respirations are not a typical finding in DKA, and increased urine output is more commonly seen in conditions like diabetes insipidus. Option D is incorrect because Cheyne-Stokes respirations are not characteristic of DKA, and foul-smelling urine is not a prominent symptom in this condition.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a left leg below-the-knee amputation. Which of the following client statements indicates the potential need for a referral to an occupational therapist?

• A. I hope I can adjust to using crutches while I am recovering.
• B. I am worried about taking care of my toddler at home.
• C. I just don't think I can handle looking at my leg.
• D. I am not sure how I will pay for all the therapy I will need.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client's statement about adjusting to using crutches while recovering suggests a potential need for occupational therapy referral. Occupational therapists assist individuals in regaining independence in activities of daily living, including mobility aids and adaptations. Choices B, C, and D are more indicative of emotional or financial concerns and may require referrals to other healthcare professionals like counselors or financial advisors, rather than occupational therapists.

4. A client with type 1 DM has a finger stick glucose level of 258mg/dl at bedtime. An order for sliding scale insulin exists. The nurse should:

• A. Call the physician
• B. Encourage the intake of fluids
• C. Administer the insulin as ordered
• D. Give the client ½ cup of orange juice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the client with type 1 DM has a high glucose level at bedtime. The appropriate action for the nurse is to administer the sliding scale insulin as ordered. This insulin regimen is specifically designed to manage high blood glucose levels. Calling the physician is not necessary as the protocol for sliding scale insulin is already in place. Encouraging fluid intake or providing orange juice is not the correct intervention for addressing high blood glucose levels in this case.

5. Which of the following assessment tools is used to determine the patient's level of consciousness?

• A. The Snellen Scale
• B. The Norton Scale
• C. The Morse Scale
• D. The Glasgow Scale

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, The Glasgow Scale. The Glasgow Coma Scale is specifically designed to assess a patient's level of consciousness by evaluating eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the Snellen Scale is used for vision testing, the Norton Scale is used for assessing the risk of pressure sores, and the Morse Scale is used for evaluating a patient's risk of falling, not for determining the level of consciousness.

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