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 staff on a medical-surgical unit is in conflict with the occupational therapy department. What type of communication will be used to discuss the problems?

• A. Downward communication
• B. Lateral communication
• C. Distorted communication
• D. Upward communication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lateral communication. Lateral communication occurs between individuals or departments of the same hierarchical level, making it suitable for addressing conflicts between the staff on a medical-surgical unit and the occupational therapy department. Upward communication involves communication from staff to management or from lower management to middle or upper management. Downward communication is typically directive communication from an authority figure or manager to staff. Distorted communication is not a recognized type of communication and does not apply to this scenario.

3. Professionalism has historically been difficult to define. Early definitions of professionalism included which of the following characteristics?

• A. Expertise
• B. Empathy
• C. Ethical and moral values
• D. Honesty

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Expertise.' Historically, professionalism was defined by one's knowledge and expertise in a particular field. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because early definitions of professionalism did not focus on qualities like empathy, ethical and moral values, or honesty, but rather on the individual's level of skill and competence in their area of work.

4. Which of the following would be considered an urgent and important issue?

• A. Replacing two staff who were injured while caring for a violent patient
• B. Updating the employee break room with new furniture
• C. Preparing educational packets on self-administration of insulin for patients
• D. Arranging a team-building event for staff members

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because replacing staff injured while caring for a violent patient is both urgent and important. This issue directly relates to staff safety and patient care, requiring immediate attention. Choice B is not urgent or crucial to patient care. Choice C is important but may not be as urgent as the situation in choice A. Choice D is not as critical as replacing injured staff, making it a less urgent and important issue.

5. 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.

Similar Questions