Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following situations can be identified as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A nurse demonstrates signs of chemical impairment
• B. A family has conflicting feelings about tube feeding for their terminally ill father
• C. A nurse overhears a colleague threatening to restrain a patient if they do not stay in bed
• D. A client with terminal cancer hesitates to name their spouse as power of attorney

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ethical dilemmas involve conflicting values or feelings. In this situation, the family is conflicted about tube feeding for their terminally ill father, which presents a moral and ethical challenge. Choices A, C, and D do not represent ethical dilemmas. Choice A involves a nurse's impairment, which is a different issue. Choice C involves a nurse's observation of a colleague's threat, which is a patient safety concern. Choice D involves a client's hesitation in naming a spouse as power of attorney, which is a legal and decision-making issue, not necessarily an ethical dilemma.

2. What is the key management strategy for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

• A. Administer insulin
• B. Monitor blood glucose
• C. Administer IV fluids
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The key management strategy for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) involves a comprehensive approach that includes administering insulin to lower blood glucose levels, monitoring blood glucose levels to ensure they are within the target range, and administering IV fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Choosing 'All of the above' as the correct answer is the most appropriate because all three interventions are essential components of DKA management. Administering insulin alone without addressing fluid status and monitoring blood glucose could lead to complications. Similarly, solely focusing on IV fluids or blood glucose monitoring without insulin administration would not effectively manage DKA.

3. A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for an older adult client who has difficulty sleeping. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Give a bedtime snack
• B. Encourage a short nap in the afternoon
• C. Encourage exercise right before bed
• D. Establish a regular exercise routine 2 hours or more before bedtime

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Establishing a regular exercise routine at least 2 hours before bedtime promotes better sleep in older adults. Giving a bedtime snack (choice A) may disrupt sleep due to digestion, encouraging a short nap in the afternoon (choice B) can interfere with nighttime sleep, and encouraging exercise right before bed (choice C) can increase alertness and make it harder to fall asleep.

4. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with hyperkalemia?

• A. Monitor ECG and administer insulin
• B. Monitor blood glucose levels and provide fluids
• C. Monitor for muscle weakness and administer calcium gluconate
• D. Monitor electrolyte levels and provide potassium supplements

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: When assessing a patient with hyperkalemia, monitoring the ECG and administering insulin are crucial steps. Hyperkalemia can affect the heart's function, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Monitoring the ECG helps in identifying any cardiac abnormalities associated with high potassium levels. Administering insulin, along with glucose, helps shift potassium from the bloodstream into the cells, temporarily lowering the potassium levels. Choice B is incorrect because monitoring blood glucose levels and providing fluids are not the primary interventions for hyperkalemia. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring for muscle weakness and administering calcium gluconate are not the first-line treatments for hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate may be used in specific situations to stabilize cardiac cell membranes in severe cases of hyperkalemia. Choice D is incorrect because monitoring electrolyte levels and providing potassium supplements would worsen hyperkalemia, as the patient already has elevated potassium levels and does not require additional potassium supplementation.

5. A nurse is caring for a client post-op with a chest tube. What should the nurse check for regularly?

• A. Ensure the chest tube is periodically clamped
• B. Check for air leaks in the tubing
• C. Keep the client in a prone position for chest drainage
• D. Administer diuretics to prevent fluid buildup

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks in the tubing. Air leaks can compromise the function of the chest tube, leading to inadequate drainage and potentially causing complications for the client. Clamping the chest tube periodically is incorrect as it could lead to a buildup of fluid or air in the pleural space. Keeping the client in a prone position is not necessary for chest drainage, as the positioning may vary depending on the specific situation. Administering diuretics may not be directly related to monitoring the chest tube for proper function and is not a routine intervention for chest tube management post-op.

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