Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following types of HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) contracts with two or more IPAs (Independent Practice Associations)?

• A. Staff model
• B. Point of service model
• C. Network model
• D. Group model

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the Network model. This type of HMO contracts with two or more IPAs. In a Network model, multiple IPAs work together to provide healthcare services to the members. Choice A, the Staff model, involves physicians who are employees of the HMO. Choice B, the Point of Service model, allows members to seek care outside the network at a higher cost. Choice D, the Group model, does not specifically contract with IPAs.

2. After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

• A. 19-year-old with type 1 diabetes who was admitted with possible dawn phenomenon
• B. 35-year-old with type 1 diabetes whose most recent blood glucose reading was 230 mg/dL
• C. 60-year-old with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who has poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa
• D. 68-year-old with type 2 diabetes who has severe peripheral neuropathy and complains of burning foot pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who presents with poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa requires immediate attention. These signs indicate severe dehydration and potential electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to serious complications. Assessing this patient first allows for prompt intervention and monitoring to stabilize their condition. Choice A is less urgent as the patient has possible dawn phenomenon, which is a common early-morning rise in blood glucose levels. Choice B, with a blood glucose reading of 230 mg/dL, indicates hyperglycemia but does not present with signs of severe dehydration like the patient in choice C. Choice D, with peripheral neuropathy and foot pain, is important but not as urgent as addressing severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in the patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome.

3. An active 28-year-old male with type 1 diabetes is being seen in the endocrine clinic. Which finding may indicate the need for a change in therapy?

• A. Hemoglobin A1C level 6.2%
• B. Blood pressure 146/88 mmHg
• C. Heart rate at rest 58 beats/minute
• D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) level 65 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In a young adult with type 1 diabetes, a blood pressure of 146/88 mmHg may indicate the need for a change in therapy as it is above the recommended target levels. High blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Choices A, C, and D are within normal ranges and do not necessarily indicate the need for an immediate change in therapy. A Hemoglobin A1C level of 6.2% is generally considered good control for a diabetic patient, a resting heart rate of 58 beats/minute is normal for an active individual, and an HDL level of 65 mg/dL is considered to be in the desirable range for heart health.

4. Which of the following strategies is most effective for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit?

• A. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio
• B. Providing ongoing education on safe medication practices
• C. Using barcoding technology for medication administration
• D. Increasing the use of PRN medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most effective strategy for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit is using barcoding technology for medication administration. Barcoding technology helps to ensure the right medication is given to the right patient in the right dose at the right time. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio (choice A) may help in preventing errors due to workload, but it may not address the root cause of medication errors. Providing ongoing education (choice B) is important but may not be as effective as implementing technology to directly prevent errors during administration. Increasing the use of PRN medications (choice D) can actually increase the risk of errors if not carefully monitored and controlled.

5. A 28-year-old male patient with type 1 diabetes reports how he manages his exercise and glucose control. Which behavior indicates that the nurse should implement additional teaching?

• A. The patient always carries hard candies when engaging in exercise.
• B. The patient goes for a vigorous walk when his glucose is 200 mg/dL.
• C. The patient has a peanut butter sandwich before going for a bicycle ride.
• D. The patient increases daily exercise when ketones are present in the urine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because increasing exercise when ketones are present in the urine is inappropriate and potentially dangerous for a patient with type 1 diabetes. This behavior can worsen the ketosis and lead to further complications. Choices A, B, and C demonstrate appropriate self-management strategies for a patient with type 1 diabetes. Carrying hard candies during exercise can help prevent hypoglycemia, going for a walk with a glucose level of 200 mg/dL can help lower blood sugar, and having a snack before physical activity can provide necessary energy.

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