Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is an example of an ethical dilemma in nursing?

• A. Choosing between two equally undesirable alternatives
• B. Reporting a colleague's unethical behavior
• C. Balancing patient confidentiality with the need to disclose information
• D. Deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. An ethical dilemma in nursing involves deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics, balancing competing values and principles. Choices A, B, and C do not directly represent ethical dilemmas in nursing. Choice A describes a general ethical dilemma, choice B involves professional conduct rather than a dilemma, and choice C refers to a confidentiality issue rather than conflicting ethical principles.

2. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who has a new prescription for wrist restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Pad the client's wrists before applying the restraints.
• B. Evaluate the client's circulation every 8 hours after application.
• C. Secure the restraint ties to the bed's side rails.
• D. Remove the restraints every 4 hours to evaluate the client's status.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When applying wrist restraints, it is crucial to secure the restraint ties to the bed's side rails to ensure the client's safety and prevent injury. Padding the client's wrists (Choice A) is not a standard practice and may compromise the effectiveness of the restraints. Evaluating the client's circulation (Choice B) is important but should be done more frequently than every 8 hours to ensure prompt detection of any circulation issues. Removing the restraints every 4 hours (Choice D) is unnecessary and may increase the risk of injury or agitation in the client.

3. A nurse has just inserted a nasogastric (NG) tube for a client. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to confirm correct tube placement?

• A. The client reports relief of nausea.
• B. The tube aspirate has a pH less than 5.
• C. Bowel sounds are present on auscultation.
• D. An x-ray shows the end of the tube above the pylorus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The client reports relief of nausea. When the NG tube is correctly placed in the stomach, it can help alleviate feelings of nausea and discomfort. Choice B, a tube aspirate pH less than 5, is incorrect as it indicates gastric placement, not necessarily correct placement. Choice C, bowel sounds on auscultation, and Choice D, visualization of the tube on an x-ray above the pylorus, do not confirm correct NG tube placement; therefore, they are incorrect.

4. When should a critical pathway be revised?

• A. When variances show a new trend.
• B. When the variances show a new trend.
• C. When a member of the team retires.
• D. When the client leaves the hospital.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A critical pathway should be revised when variances in the patient's progress indicate a new trend or deviation from the expected course of treatment. This allows healthcare providers to adjust the pathway to ensure optimal patient care and outcomes. Changes in the critical pathway are not typically driven by its length or external factors like team member retirements or client discharges. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is a better phrasing of the correct answer, emphasizing the importance of variances showing a new trend. Choices C and D are irrelevant to the patient's progress and treatment plan, making them incorrect.

5. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a female client who has hypovolemia. Which of the following laboratory results would be a priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

• A. BUN 21 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL)
• B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
• C. Creatinine 1.4 mg/dL (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL)
• D. Sodium 132 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with hypovolemia, the nurse should prioritize reporting the elevated potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L to the provider. Hypovolemia can lead to electrolyte imbalances, and hyperkalemia (potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L) is a serious condition that can result in cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate attention. The other laboratory results, BUN, creatinine, and sodium, are also important in assessing renal function and fluid balance, but the priority in this case is the elevated potassium level due to its potential life-threatening complications.

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