Nursing Elites

1. When should the charge nurse intervene based on the observed behavior?

• A. Two staff members are overheard talking about a cure for AIDS outside a client's room.
• B. A hospital transporter is reading a client's history and physical while waiting for an elevator.
• C. A UAP tells a client, 'It's hard to quit drinking but Alcoholics Anonymous helped me.'
• D. Two visitors are discussing a hospitalized client's history of drug abuse in the visitor's lounge.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The hospital transporter reading a client's history and physical without a legitimate need violates patient confidentiality. This behavior requires immediate intervention to protect the client's privacy and confidentiality rights.

2. A 38-year-old male client collapsed at his outside construction job in Texas in July. His admitting vital signs to ICU are, BP 82/70, heart rate 140 beats/minute, urine output 10 ml/hr, skin cool to the touch. Pulmonary artery (PA) pressures are, PAWP 1, PAP 8/2, RAP -1, SVR 1600. What nursing action has the highest priority?

• A. Apply a hypothermia unit to stabilize core temperature.
• B. Increase the client's IV fluid rate to 200 ml/hr.
• C. Call the hospital chaplain to counsel the family.
• D. Draw blood cultures x3 to detect infection.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase the client's IV fluid rate to 200 ml/hr. The client's vital signs indicate signs of shock and hypovolemia, making fluid resuscitation the priority to address these conditions. Improving intravascular volume is crucial to stabilize the client's blood pressure, heart rate, and urine output, ultimately improving organ perfusion and addressing the underlying issue of hypovolemia.

3. A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What dietary advice should the nurse provide?

• A. Increase intake of caffeine.
• B. Maintain a consistent salt intake.
• C. Avoid dairy products.
• D. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintain a consistent salt intake. Patients prescribed lithium should maintain a consistent salt intake to help stabilize lithium levels. Fluctuations in salt intake can affect the levels of lithium in the body, potentially leading to toxicity or reduced effectiveness of the medication. It is important for patients to be consistent with their salt intake and to avoid sudden increases or decreases. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing intake of caffeine is not recommended as it can interfere with the effects of lithium. Avoiding dairy products is not necessary unless there are specific intolerances or interactions with other medications. While green leafy vegetables are generally healthy, there is no specific recommendation to increase their intake in relation to lithium therapy.

4. A client is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Fruity breath odor.
• B. Blood glucose of 450 mg/dL.
• C. Deep, rapid respirations.
• D. Serum potassium of 5.2 mEq/L.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul breathing). This is a sign of severe acidosis commonly seen in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and requires immediate intervention. Kussmaul breathing helps to compensate for the metabolic acidosis by blowing off carbon dioxide. Prompt intervention is necessary to prevent further deterioration and potential respiratory failure. Fruity breath odor (Choice A) is a classic sign of DKA but does not require immediate intervention. While a blood glucose level of 450 mg/dL (Choice B) is high, it does not pose an immediate threat to the client's life. Serum potassium of 5.2 mEq/L (Choice D) is slightly elevated but not the most critical finding that requires immediate intervention in this scenario.

5. A client admitted with acute diverticulitis has experienced a sudden increase in temperature and reports a sudden onset of exquisite abdominal tenderness. The nurse's rapid assessment reveals that the client's abdomen is uncharacteristically rigid on palpation. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. Administer a Fleet enema as prescribed and remain with the client
• B. Contact the primary care provider promptly and report these signs of perforation
• C. Position the client supine and insert an NG tube
• D. Page the primary provider and report that the client may be obstructed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with acute diverticulitis experiencing sudden increase in temperature, exquisite abdominal tenderness, and uncharacteristic abdominal rigidity, these signs suggest a possible perforation. The nurse should promptly contact the primary care provider to report these signs, as perforation requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.

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