Nursing Elites

1. How do the public view nurses today?

• A. Nurses are assistants to physicians.
• B. Nurses view the person within the family and community.
• C. Nurses are different from other health-care providers.
• D. Nurses are closely involved in shaping the health care of the future.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Nurses are assistants to physicians.' The public image of nurses, as portrayed by the media, often positions them as assistants to physicians. This perception stems from historical depictions and the traditional hierarchy within healthcare settings. Choice B is incorrect because it reflects how nurses perceive their patients, not how the public views nurses. Choice C is incorrect as nurses are part of the broader healthcare team but are not seen as fundamentally different from other healthcare providers by the public. Choice D is incorrect as while nurses play a crucial role in shaping healthcare, the public perception often focuses more on their supportive role in the healthcare system.

2. Although there is projected to be a small surplus of nurses by 2030, some states will continue to see nursing shortages. Which of the following is the best explanation for this situation?

• A. Healthcare legislation that impacts nursing salaries in some states
• B. Workforce availability
• C. Aging of the baby boomers, resulting in a younger nursing workforce
• D. Population declines

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best explanation for the continued nursing shortages in some states despite an overall projected surplus by 2030 is workforce availability. This factor directly impacts the number of nurses available in certain regions. Choice A about healthcare legislation affecting nursing salaries does not directly address the availability of nurses. Choice C is incorrect as the aging of the baby boomers would typically imply an older nursing workforce instead of a younger one. Choice D regarding population declines does not necessarily relate to the availability of nurses in specific states.

3. A nurse in the emergency department is preparing to care for a client who arrived via ambulance. The client is disoriented and has a cardiac arrhythmia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Proceed with treatment without obtaining written consent
• B. Contact the client's next of kin to obtain consent for treatment
• C. Have the client sign a consent for treatment
• D. Notify risk management before initiating treatment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In emergency situations where a client is disoriented and has a cardiac arrhythmia, obtaining written consent may not be possible due to the urgency of the situation. The priority is to provide immediate treatment to ensure patient safety. Contacting the next of kin or having the client sign a consent form would cause unnecessary delays in providing critical care. Notifying risk management before initiating treatment is not the most appropriate action when dealing with a time-sensitive situation like a cardiac arrhythmia.

4. Your client is adversely affected with fever, night sweats, occult hematuria, tenderness of the spleen, and Osler's nodes. What disorder would you most likely suspect?

• A. Tuberculosis
• B. AIDS/HIV
• C. Pericarditis
• D. Endocarditis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client is likely suffering from endocarditis based on the symptoms described. Endocarditis is characterized by fever, night sweats, hematuria, splenomegaly (tenderness of the spleen), and Osler's nodes (painful nodules on the pads of the fingers or toes). While tuberculosis and AIDS/HIV can present with some similar symptoms, the presence of Osler's nodes is more specific to endocarditis. Pericarditis typically presents with chest pain, not the combination of symptoms seen in this case.

5. You are working on a pediatric unit. Which toy or other diversional item or activity is most appropriate for your 18-month-old patient?

• A. Story books
• B. Beach balls
• C. An interactive play session with other children less than 2 years of age
• D. Pickup sticks

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A beach ball is appropriate for an 18-month-old as it is safe and can help with motor skills development. Choice A, storybooks, may not be suitable for this age group due to limited attention span. Choice C involves interaction with other children which may not always be feasible in a healthcare setting. Choice D, pickup sticks, poses a choking hazard and is not suitable for toddlers.

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