Nursing Elites

1. The nurse notices that a family is waiting at the nursing station desk for its loved one to be brought to the unit for admission during a change-of-shift report. The nurse should:

• A. request that the family wait for its loved one in the client's room and wait to resume the report until the family has left the desk area.
• B. request that a nursing assistant bring coffee for the family while it waits at the desk and continue with the report.
• C. request that the family have a seat in the station rather than stand while awaiting its loved one.
• D. request that the family wait for its loved one in the Emergency Department waiting room.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To protect the privacy of clients and the confidentiality of the information shared in a change-of-shift report, the family should be asked to wait in the client's room. This ensures that sensitive information is not overheard. The report should be resumed only after the family has left the desk area to maintain confidentiality. Choice B is incorrect as bringing coffee does not address the issue of maintaining confidentiality. Choice C is incorrect as standing or sitting in the station does not prevent the family from overhearing confidential information. Choice D is incorrect as the Emergency Department waiting room is not the appropriate setting for waiting during a unit admission.

2. Which of the following represents a normal serum potassium level?

• A. 1.5 mEq/L
• B. 3.0 mEq/L
• C. 4.0 mEq/L
• D. 6.0 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 4.0 mEq/L. Normal serum potassium levels typically range from 3.5-5.5 mEq/L. Choice A (1.5 mEq/L) is below the normal range, Choice B (3.0 mEq/L) is also below the normal range, and Choice D (6.0 mEq/L) is above the normal range. Therefore, the only option within the normal range is Choice C (4.0 mEq/L).

3. A nurse calls a health care provider to report that a client with congestive heart failure (CHF) is exhibiting dyspnea and worsening of wheezing. The health care provider, who is in a hurry because of a situation in the emergency department, gives the nurse a telephone prescription for furosemide (Lasix) but does not specify the route of administration. What is the appropriate action on the part of the nurse?

• A. Calling the health care provider who gave the telephone prescription to clarify the prescription
• B. Administering the medication orally and clarifying the prescription once the health care provider has finished caring for the client in the emergency department
• C. Calling the nursing supervisor for assistance in determining the route of administration
• D. Administering the medication intravenously because this route is generally used for clients with CHF

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Telephone prescriptions involve a health care provider dictating a prescribed therapy over the telephone to the nurse. The nurse must clarify the prescription by repeating it clearly and precisely to the health care provider. The nurse then writes the prescription on the health care provider's prescription sheet or enters it into the electronic medical record. It is crucial not to interpret an unclear prescription or administer a medication by a route that has not been expressly prescribed. In this case, the nurse should call the health care provider who gave the telephone prescription to clarify the prescription, ensuring the correct route of administration is specified. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because administering the medication without clarification, seeking assistance from the nursing supervisor, or choosing an arbitrary route of administration can compromise patient safety and violate medication administration protocols.

4. When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate, what should the nurse check first?

• A. Temperature
• B. Respiratory status
• C. Pulse
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving morphine sulfate via continuous intravenous infusion, the nurse's priority should be checking the client's respiratory status first. Morphine sulfate can lead to respiratory depression, emphasizing the need for close monitoring of breathing. While temperature, pulse, and urine output are all essential components of the assessment, ensuring adequate respiratory function takes precedence due to the potential risk of respiratory depression associated with morphine sulfate. Promptly assessing respiratory status enables early identification of any signs of respiratory distress or depression, allowing for immediate intervention if needed.

5. Which of the following neurological disorders is characterized by writhing, twisting movements of the face and limbs?

• A. epilepsy
• B. Parkinson's
• C. multiple sclerosis
• D. Huntington's chorea

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Huntington's chorea is characterized by writhing, twisting movements of the face and limbs, known as chorea. This disorder is caused by a genetic mutation affecting specific brain cells. Epilepsy presents with seizures, Parkinson's with tremors and rigidity, and multiple sclerosis with central nervous system issues. The specific description of writhing and twisting movements aligns with Huntington's chorea, making it the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they describe different neurological disorders with distinct symptoms that do not match the writhing, twisting movements characteristic of Huntington's chorea.

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