Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare professional seeks to assess the renal function of an elderly client who is about to receive a nephrotoxic medication. Which of the following labs provides the best indicator for renal function?

• A. urinalysis
• B. creatinine and blood urea nitrogen
• C. chemistry of electrolytes
• D. creatinine clearance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context of an elderly client, assessing renal function before administering a nephrotoxic medication is crucial. While urinalysis and blood urea nitrogen provide valuable information on hydration status and overall health clues, they are not specific indicators of renal function. The chemistry of electrolytes may show abnormalities in renal failure, but it does not directly measure the kidneys' ability to eliminate waste. Creatinine clearance, on the other hand, is considered the best indicator for renal function in the elderly. This test accounts for decreases in lean body mass that can affect blood creatinine levels and is widely used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate, reflecting the kidneys' filtration capability. Therefore, creatinine clearance is the most appropriate lab test to assess renal function in this scenario.

2. The client asks the nurse not to tell anyone outside of the care team about his positive HIV diagnosis. What response is most appropriate?

• A. "I have to inform all clients on the unit of your diagnosis as it is transmissible."?
• B. "I will not communicate your diagnosis to anyone without your permission."?
• C. "Because this is a communicable disease, it may need to be reported to the CDC."?
• D. "You should not be concerned with who I share your diagnosis with."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response is C: "Because this is a communicable disease, it may need to be reported to the CDC."? It is important to uphold patient confidentiality, but in the case of certain communicable diseases like HIV, there are legal requirements for mandatory reporting to public health authorities such as the CDC. Option A is incorrect because it violates patient confidentiality and does not consider legal obligations. Option B, while respecting the client's wishes, may not align with the legal requirement for reporting certain communicable diseases. Option D is inappropriate as it dismisses the client's concerns and rights regarding their health information.

3. Upon admission, the client expresses a desire for an extra oxygen tank in their room due to a previous breathing issue. What is the most appropriate response?

• A. "I will make sure there is always an extra oxygen tank in your room."?
• B. "I will ask the previous nurse if the extra tank was needed."?
• C. "I will need to check if your insurance benefits would cover an additional oxygen tank."?
• D. "The first priority is ensuring there are enough oxygen tanks for everyone who needs them. I am not sure we will be able to provide an extra on standby."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The appropriate response in this situation is to prioritize the availability of oxygen tanks for all patients in need. While it is understandable that the client may desire an extra tank for reassurance, the healthcare facility must ensure equitable distribution based on clinical need. Option A is incorrect because promising an always available extra tank may not be feasible and can set unrealistic expectations. Option B is not the best response as it focuses on past actions rather than addressing the current situation. Option C is not the most appropriate response at this time as the client's immediate need for an extra oxygen tank is the primary concern. Therefore, the best response is to emphasize the importance of equitable distribution of resources while acknowledging the client's request for an extra tank.

4. Regardless of their practice area, nurses should be concerned with:

• A. all drug-resistant bacteria.
• B. microorganisms that are critical.
• C. transmission of microorganisms.
• D. overprescription of bacteriostatic drugs.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: All nurses should be concerned with preventing the transmission of microorganisms to themselves and others. A primary way to achieve this is through asepsis. Nursing practice emphasizes providing a safe environment to shield clients, family, and healthcare providers from infections. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While drug-resistant bacteria, critical microorganisms, and overprescription of bacteriostatic drugs are important, nurses' primary focus should be on preventing microorganism transmission to ensure safety and well-being.

5. A client being treated for sickle cell disease has an order for pain medication. Morphine was ordered, but the nurse is having difficulty deciphering the dose. The nurse should ____.

• A. ask the attending physician to clarify the order, including the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency
• B. call the charge nurse to inform the attending physician and verify the order, including the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency
• C. call the attending physician to verbally verify the order, including the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency
• D. refrain from administering the medication until the charge nurse can assist in determining the correct dosage

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, when a nurse encounters difficulties in deciphering an order, the appropriate action is to contact the attending physician directly to clarify and verify the medication, dose, route, and frequency. It is crucial for the nurse to have a clear understanding of the order before administering any medication to ensure patient safety and proper treatment. Option A is incorrect as it suggests asking the attending physician to clarify without specifying the urgency of the situation. Option B involves an unnecessary additional step by first contacting the charge nurse before reaching out to the attending physician, potentially delaying the clarification process. Option D is incorrect as it advises refraining from administering the medication, which may not be necessary if the correct dosage can be promptly verified by contacting the attending physician.

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