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. A nurse manager has two out of six staff nurses call in sick for one shift. Because of reduced availability of staff, the manager decides to manage the unit with the three remaining nurses, which keeps the unit at minimal staffing standards. What type of decision-making strategy would this be?

• A. Satisficing
• B. Routine
• C. Adaptive
• D. Rationalizing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Satisficing. Satisficing is a decision-making strategy where the person chooses an alternative that is good enough given the circumstances. In this scenario, the nurse manager is making a satisfactory decision by managing the unit with the three remaining nurses to meet minimal staffing standards despite the reduced availability of staff. Choice B, Routine, does not apply as the decision made in the scenario is not part of a regular or standard procedure. Choice C, Adaptive, is not the best fit as the decision is more about making do with the available resources rather than adapting to a new situation. Choice D, Rationalizing, does not align with the scenario as it refers to justifying decisions rather than making a practical choice under constraints.

3. Which of the following is an example of an outcome measure in healthcare?

• A. Patient satisfaction scores
• B. Length of hospital stay
• C. Healthcare provider performance reviews
• D. Number of diagnostic tests ordered

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patient satisfaction scores are considered an outcome measure in healthcare because they reflect the patient's experience and perception of the care received. Patient satisfaction scores focus on the quality of care provided and the patient's overall satisfaction with their healthcare experience. Choices B, C, and D are not examples of outcome measures. The length of hospital stay is a process measure, healthcare provider performance reviews are a provider-specific evaluation, and the number of diagnostic tests ordered is more related to resource utilization rather than a direct patient outcome.

4. A registered nurse (RN) administered a patient�s morning insulin as the breakfast tray arrived at 0800. The RN performed a complete assessment at the same time. Then, the RN got busy with her other patients and did not check on the patient until 1400. At that time, she found the patient unresponsive with a blood glucose of 23. Both the breakfast and lunch tray were at the bedside untouched. Which of the following could the RN be charged with?

• A. Quasi-intentional tort
• B. Misdemeanor
• C. Negligence
• D. Juvenile offense

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Negligence is the failure to act in a reasonable, ordinary, and prudent manner, causing harm to someone who is owed the duty to care.

5. The nurse identifies a need for additional teaching when the patient who is self-monitoring blood glucose

• A. washes the puncture site using warm water and soap
• B. chooses a puncture site in the center of the finger pad
• C. hangs the arm down for a minute before puncturing the site
• D. says the result of 120 mg indicates good blood sugar control

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because choosing a puncture site in the center of the finger pad is not recommended for blood glucose monitoring. The recommended sites are the sides of the fingertips. Option A is correct as washing the puncture site using warm water and soap is a good practice. Option C is also correct as hanging the arm down for a minute can help increase blood flow. Option D is incorrect as a blood sugar level of 120 mg/dL may not necessarily indicate good blood sugar control and needs further interpretation.

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