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. Many patient classification systems have some type of shortcoming. Among these are:

• A. The client's condition changes before the next shift.
• B. The staffing needs are predicted on a short-term basis.
• C. The potential admissions cannot be accounted for.
• D. The staffing mix changes because of illness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patient classification systems have limitations in accounting for changes in a client's condition, unexpected influx of new admissions, and changes in staffing due to illness. These systems often focus on short-term staffing needs rather than utilizing demand management, which considers client outcomes to predict staffing needs over a longer period. Not being able to account for potential admissions can lead to challenges in effectively managing staff allocation and resources. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific limitation of patient classification systems related to accounting for potential admissions.

3. After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

• A. 19-year-old with type 1 diabetes who was admitted with possible dawn phenomenon
• B. 35-year-old with type 1 diabetes whose most recent blood glucose reading was 230 mg/dL
• C. 60-year-old with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who has poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa
• D. 68-year-old with type 2 diabetes who has severe peripheral neuropathy and complains of burning foot pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who presents with poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa requires immediate attention. These signs indicate severe dehydration and potential electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to serious complications. Assessing this patient first allows for prompt intervention and monitoring to stabilize their condition. Choice A is less urgent as the patient has possible dawn phenomenon, which is a common early-morning rise in blood glucose levels. Choice B, with a blood glucose reading of 230 mg/dL, indicates hyperglycemia but does not present with signs of severe dehydration like the patient in choice C. Choice D, with peripheral neuropathy and foot pain, is important but not as urgent as addressing severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in the patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome.

4. There are many ways to ensure that your appraisal system is nondiscriminatory. Which of the following is one way to ensure this?

• A. Giving the appraisal once per year
• B. Having no appeal process
• C. Withholding information from the employee
• D. Not allowing any input from the employee

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To ensure that an appraisal system is nondiscriminatory, one important step is to provide the appraisal once per year. This allows for ongoing evaluation and helps prevent bias. Choice B is incorrect because having no appeal process can lead to unfair treatment without a chance for review. Choice C is incorrect as withholding information from the employee can hinder transparency and objectivity. Choice D is incorrect as not allowing any input from the employee can overlook valuable insights and perspectives that could contribute to a fair evaluation process.

5. 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.

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