Nursing Elites

1. When a patient with type 2 diabetes is admitted for a cholecystectomy, which nursing action can the nurse delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?

• A. Communicate the blood glucose level and insulin dose to the circulating nurse in surgery.
• B. Discuss the reason for the use of insulin therapy during the immediate postoperative period.
• C. Administer the prescribed lispro (Humalog) insulin before transporting the patient to surgery.
• D. Plan strategies to minimize the risk for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia during the postoperative period.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the administration of prescribed lispro (Humalog) insulin before transporting the patient to surgery is a task that can be safely delegated to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN). This action is within the scope of practice of an LPN/LVN and does not require independent nursing judgment. Choices A and B involve communicating and discussing important medical information, which are higher-level nursing actions typically performed by registered nurses. Choice D involves planning strategies to manage blood glucose levels postoperatively, which requires critical thinking and assessment skills usually performed by a registered nurse.

2. The decades between the 1960s and 1980s brought about many changes in nursing. Which of the following contributed to advances in nursing?

• A. Decreased demand for health care
• B. Development of specialty care disciplines
• C. Gender discrimination
• D. Advances in technology leading to more generalized care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the development of specialty care disciplines, such as intensive care, neurosurgical techniques, and cardiothoracic surgery, played a significant role in advancing nursing during the specified decades. Choice A is incorrect as decreased demand for health care would not drive advances in nursing. Choice C is also incorrect as gender discrimination, while an issue in the past, does not directly relate to the advancements in nursing during this period. Choice D is incorrect because advances in technology usually lead to more specialized care rather than generalized care.

3. Which of the following is an example of an ethical dilemma in nursing?

• A. Choosing between two equally undesirable alternatives
• B. Reporting a colleague's unethical behavior
• C. Balancing patient confidentiality with the need to disclose information
• D. Deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. An ethical dilemma in nursing involves deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics, balancing competing values and principles. Choices A, B, and C do not directly represent ethical dilemmas in nursing. Choice A describes a general ethical dilemma, choice B involves professional conduct rather than a dilemma, and choice C refers to a confidentiality issue rather than conflicting ethical principles.

4. A middle adult client tells the nurse, 'I feel so useless now that my children do not need me anymore.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Validate the client's feelings by saying, 'People in middle adulthood often find satisfaction in nurturing and guiding young people.'
• B. Encourage the client to explore the reasons behind feeling useless.
• C. Reassure the client by saying, 'You should be proud that your children are becoming independent.'
• D. Provide information by saying, 'Most people are happy when their children grow up and leave home.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is to validate the client's feelings by acknowledging that individuals in middle adulthood often derive satisfaction from nurturing and guiding young people. This response shows empathy and understanding towards the client's emotions. Choice B is incorrect because it may come across as dismissive of the client's feelings. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the client's emotional state and could be perceived as minimizing their concerns. Choice D is incorrect as it generalizes feelings and may not be applicable to the client's specific situation.

5. A staff nurse is working with a patient who is on a critical pathway for education in preparation for home care. Which one of the following responsibilities would the nurse address first?

• A. Taking vital signs
• B. Answering the client's questions
• C. Evaluating client teaching
• D. Reviewing the information with the client and family

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Reviewing the information with the client and family should be addressed first. This step involves ensuring that the client and family fully understand the information provided, which is crucial before proceeding with any other responsibilities. Taking vital signs (choice A) is important but not the priority in this scenario. Answering the client's questions (choice B) and evaluating client teaching (choice C) can come after reviewing the information to ensure effective communication and understanding.

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