Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary focus of transitional care?

• A. To improve clinical outcomes
• B. To manage chronic diseases
• C. To facilitate smooth transitions between care settings
• D. To support family caregivers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary focus of transitional care is to facilitate smooth transitions between care settings. While improving clinical outcomes and managing chronic diseases are important aspects of healthcare, the main goal of transitional care is to ensure patients move smoothly between different care settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home care. Supporting family caregivers is also essential but not the primary focus of transitional care.

2. Which patient action indicates a good understanding of the nurse’s teaching about the use of an insulin pump?

• A. The patient programs the pump for an insulin bolus after eating
• B. The patient changes the location of the insertion site every week
• C. The patient takes the pump off at bedtime and starts it again each morning.
• D. The patient plans for a diet that is less flexible when using the insulin pump.

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

3. Why is increasing the use of advanced practice nurses encouraged?

• A. A 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended nurses practice to the full extent of their education.
• B. Advanced practice nurses act as an extension of physicians.
• C. The National League for Nursing advocates for the master of science in nursing (MSN) as the terminal degree for nurse practitioners.
• D. Advanced practice nurses lack the skills to diagnose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended that nurses practice to the full extent of their education, which includes utilizing advanced practice nurses. This supports the efficient delivery of healthcare services by leveraging the expertise and skills of advanced practice nurses. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the role of advanced practice nurses rather than providing a reason for increasing their use. Choice C is unrelated to the encouragement of increasing the use of advanced practice nurses as it focuses on the terminal degree for nurse practitioners. Choice D is incorrect as advanced practice nurses do possess the skills necessary to diagnose and provide advanced care, so the statement that they lack diagnostic skills is inaccurate.

4. 1. To monitor for complications in a patient with type 2 diabetes, which tests will the nurse in the diabetic clinic schedule at least annually (select one that doesn't apply)?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Serum creatinine
• C. Chest x-ray
• D. Urine for microalbuminuria

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chest x-ray. While monitoring for complications in a patient with type 2 diabetes, annual tests such as blood pressure measurement, serum creatinine levels, and urine for microalbuminuria are essential. These tests help in assessing kidney function, cardiovascular health, and early signs of kidney damage, which are common complications of diabetes. A chest x-ray is not routinely scheduled annually to monitor for complications related to type 2 diabetes, making it the least applicable option.

5. A 27-year-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• B. Administer IV potassium supplements
• C. Obtain urine glucose and ketone levels
• D. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial priority is to assess for any cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. Since the patient has a low serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is crucial to monitor for any potential cardiac complications. Administering IV potassium supplements (Choice B) may be needed, but it is not the first action to take. Obtaining urine glucose and ketone levels (Choice C) and starting an insulin infusion (Choice D) are important interventions in managing DKA, but ensuring patient safety by monitoring for arrhythmias takes precedence.

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