Nursing Elites

1. In which position will you place your patient when they are demonstrating the signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock?

• A. The Trendelenburg position
• B. The supine position
• C. The left lateral position
• D. The right lateral position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the Trendelenburg position. This position involves placing the patient with their legs elevated higher than their head. It is used to increase blood flow to the upper body, including the brain and heart, in cases of hypovolemic shock. This helps improve perfusion to vital organs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not facilitate the desired redistribution of blood flow needed in hypovolemic shock. The supine position is lying flat on the back, the left lateral position is lying on the left side, and the right lateral position is lying on the right side.

2. Which of the following is the best way for a nurse to improve quality of care?

• A. Recognize that physicians are among the health-care professionals interested in improving quality of care.
• B. Work with patients and families to improve healthcare.
• C. Collaborate with other health-care professionals, patients, and their families.
• D. Recognize that physicians are among the numerous professionals in health care.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best way for a nurse to improve the quality of care is by collaborating with other health-care professionals, patients, and their families. By working together with the healthcare team, patients, and families, nurses can ensure a holistic approach to care delivery, leading to better outcomes. Choices A and D are incorrect as they focus solely on physicians, while choice B, though important, does not fully encompass the collaborative aspect necessary for comprehensive care.

3. A nurse manager is leading a discussion about ethical dilemmas. Which of the following situations should the nurse manager include as an example of an ethical dilemma?

• A. A visitor experiences a minor burn after spilling coffee
• B. A client receives an operation on the wrong side of her body
• C. A parent wants her 14-year-old adolescent to receive radiation treatment against his will
• D. A nurse witnesses another nurse administer an incorrect medication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An ethical dilemma involves a situation where moral principles conflict, such as in the case of a parent wanting their adolescent to receive treatment against their will. In option A, a minor burn from spilled coffee does not present a conflict of moral principles. Option B describes a medical error, not necessarily a conflict of moral principles. Option D involves an issue of professional practice and patient safety but does not inherently pose a conflict of moral principles.

4. A patient's serum potassium level is 2.2 mEq/L. Which nursing action is the highest priority for this patient?

• A. Start oxygen at 2 L/min
• B. Initiate cardiac monitoring
• C. Initiate seizure precautions
• D. Keep the patient on bed rest

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate cardiac monitoring. Severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, making cardiac monitoring the priority to detect and manage any cardiac complications. Starting oxygen, seizure precautions, or bed rest are not the immediate priority actions for severe hypokalemia.

5. Nurses on an inpatient care unit are working to help reduce unit costs. Which of the following actions is appropriate to include in the cost-containment plan?

• A. Store opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
• B. Return unused supplies from the bedside to the unit's supply stock.
• C. Wait to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full.
• D. Use clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Using clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care is a cost-effective measure without compromising care quality. This choice helps in reducing costs without compromising patient safety. Storing opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours (Choice A) may lead to contamination risks. Returning unused supplies to the unit's supply stock (Choice B) can be inefficient and lead to potential waste. Waiting to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full (Choice C) may pose safety hazards and not directly impact cost savings.

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