Nursing Elites

1. Which nursing action will best promote patient safety when administering medications?

• A. Check the patient's wristband before administering medications.
• B. Confirm the patient's allergies prior to administration.
• C. Document the medications immediately after administration.
• D. Prepare medications at the medication cart to minimize distractions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Confirming the patient's allergies before administering medications is crucial for patient safety as it helps prevent adverse reactions. Checking the patient's wristband is important for identification but may not directly impact medication safety. Documenting medications after administration is necessary but does not primarily promote safety during administration. Preparing medications at the medication cart, rather than the nurse's station, is preferred to ensure accuracy and proper medication handling, but it is not directly related to confirming allergies for safety.

2. A client with a history of seizures is admitted for monitoring. What should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Ensure the client is on seizure precautions.
• B. Educate the client about seizure triggers.
• C. Monitor for signs of an impending seizure.
• D. Initiate IV access for anti-seizure medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the client is on seizure precautions. This is crucial in preventing injury during a seizure episode. While educating the client about seizure triggers (choice B) is important for long-term management, it is not the priority when the client is admitted for monitoring. Monitoring for signs of an impending seizure (choice C) is essential but does not address immediate safety concerns. Initiating IV access for anti-seizure medication (choice D) is not the priority unless a seizure occurs and medical intervention is needed.

3. A patient with COPD is admitted with shortness of breath and a productive cough. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula
• B. Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe
• C. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position
• D. Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing the patient in a high-Fowler’s position should be implemented first. This intervention helps improve lung expansion, making it easier for the patient to breathe. Elevating the head of the bed reduces the work of breathing and can alleviate symptoms of respiratory distress. Administering oxygen, encouraging coughing and deep breathing, and administering a bronchodilator are important interventions in the care of a patient with COPD, but positioning the patient for optimal lung expansion takes precedence in this scenario.

4. A staff nurse is challenging a shift assignment with the charge nurse. Which of the following statements made by the charge nurse is an example of smoothing as a strategy to resolve conflict?

• A. If you accept this assignment today, I will let you choose your assignment tomorrow
• B. If you don't agree with the assignment, I will have to report your decision to the nursing supervisor
• C. Let's just focus on giving our client medications on time
• D. You have a lot of experience, so I'm sure you're capable of these tasks

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it exemplifies smoothing as a conflict resolution strategy. Smoothing involves downplaying conflict and reassuring the individual to reduce tension. In this statement, the charge nurse acknowledges the staff nurse's experience and capability to perform the assigned tasks, which aims to reduce conflict and promote a positive outlook. Choices A, B, and C do not reflect smoothing. Choice A involves a conditional agreement, choice B introduces a threat of reporting, and choice C shifts the focus away from the conflict.

5. A nurse is evaluating a client receiving hemodialysis. Which of the following lab values requires immediate intervention?

• A. Sodium 135 mEq/L
• B. Potassium 6.5 mEq/L
• C. Calcium 9 mg/dL
• D. Chloride 98 mEq/L

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Potassium levels above 5.0 mEq/L can lead to cardiac issues, and a level of 6.5 mEq/L requires immediate intervention. Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Choices A, C, and D are within normal ranges and do not require immediate intervention in the context of hemodialysis monitoring.

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