Nursing Elites

1. When managing time effectively, which of the following stimuli should the nurse respond to first?

• A. the physician's loud verbal direction
• B. the nursing supervisor who is going to a meeting
• C. unit staff leaving on a break
• D. the care needs of the returning postoperative client just exiting the elevator

Correct answer: the care needs of the returning postoperative client just exiting the elevator

Rationale: The correct answer is to attend to the care needs of the returning postoperative client just exiting the elevator first. In a healthcare setting, patient care should always take precedence, especially for complex or unstable clients requiring immediate assessment and care. The physician's loud verbal direction, the nursing supervisor going to a meeting, and unit staff leaving on a break are important but do not involve direct patient care. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize responding to the returning postoperative client to ensure their immediate needs are met.

2. Several passengers aboard an airliner suddenly become weak and suffer breathing difficulty. The diagnosis is likely to be:

• A. Outbreak of Asian flu.
• B. Chemical exposure.
• C. Bacterial pneumonia.
• D. Allergic reaction.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most likely cause of groups of individuals suddenly experiencing similar signs of illness all at once is a chemical exposure. In this scenario, considering the sudden onset of symptoms in multiple passengers on an airliner, the symptoms are more indicative of a chemical exposure rather than Asian flu, bacterial pneumonia, or an allergic reaction. Asian flu, bacterial pneumonia, and allergic reactions do not typically manifest in a way that would affect a group of individuals simultaneously. Therefore, the correct diagnosis in this case is likely to be a chemical exposure.

3. While working the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift at the long-term care unit, the nurse gathers the nursing staff to listen to the 3 to 11 p.m. intershift report. The nurse notes that a staff member has an odor of alcohol on her breath, slurred speech, and an unsteady gait, suspecting alcohol intoxication. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

• A. Contact the nursing supervisor.
• B. Tell the staff member that she is not allowed to administer medications.
• C. Ask the staff member how much alcohol she has consumed.
• D. Ask the staff member to rest in the nurses' lounge until the effects of the alcohol wear off.

Correct answer: Contact the nursing supervisor.

Rationale: When a staff member reports to work showing signs of alcohol intoxication, the nurse should objectively note the symptoms and ask a second person to confirm these observations. It is crucial to contact the nursing supervisor immediately. An odor of alcohol, slurred speech, unsteady gait, and errors in judgment are indicators of intoxication, posing a risk to client safety. The staff member should be removed from the client care area. Detailed documentation of the incident is essential, including observations, actions taken, future plans, and the staff member's signature and date on the recorded incident memo. If the staff member refuses to sign, this should be noted by the nurse and a witness. Asking the staff member to rest in the nurses' lounge or restricting medication administration does not ensure client safety, as the staff member could still jeopardize it. Inquiring about the amount of alcohol consumed is confrontational and not relevant to the immediate need of ensuring safety.

4. A risk management program within a hospital is responsible for all of the following except:

• A. identifying risks.
• B. controlling financial loss due to malpractice claims.
• C. ensuring that staff follow their job descriptions.
• D. analyzing risks and trends to guide further interventions or programs.

Correct answer: ensuring that staff follow their job descriptions.

Rationale: A risk management program within a hospital is responsible for identifying risks, controlling financial loss due to malpractice claims, and analyzing risks and trends to guide further interventions or programs. It is not responsible for ensuring that staff follow their job descriptions. Monitoring staff adherence to their job descriptions falls under the purview of departmental managers or supervisors. The primary focus of a risk management program is to assess, mitigate, and manage risks related to patient safety, quality of care, and financial implications, rather than overseeing staff job descriptions.

5. Which of these clients should the LPN/LVN see first?

• A. a client with a newly placed NG tube who is complaining of pain around the face and a plugged nose
• B. a post-op prostatectomy client who complains of bladder spasms and blood in his foley bag
• C. a client in an arm cast who is 2 days post-op and reports feelings of numbness and tingling in her affected arm
• D. a client newly diagnosed with Hepatitis A who reports stomach pain and itchy skin

Correct answer: a client in an arm cast who is 2 days post-op and reports feelings of numbness and tingling in her affected arm

Rationale: Numbness and tingling hours or days after a cast is applied may indicate compartment syndrome and should be reported to a medical provider right away. This is a potential emergency situation that requires immediate attention to prevent complications. The other options present expected or typical symptoms related to their diagnosis, which do not require immediate intervention. Complaints related to a newly placed NG tube such as pain around the face and a plugged nose may require assessment and intervention but are not as urgent as potential compartment syndrome. Bladder spasms and blood in the foley bag post-prostatectomy are common postoperative issues that can be addressed after the client in the arm cast with potential compartment syndrome is seen. Stomach pain and itchy skin in a client with Hepatitis A are common symptoms of the condition and do not indicate an emergency situation.

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