Nursing Elites

1. You are caring for a patient who has no cognitive functioning but only basic human functions such as opening the eyes and the sleep-wake cycle. What level of consciousness does this patient have?

• A. Obtunded
• B. A persistent vegetative state
• C. Locked-in syndrome
• D. Brain death

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A persistent vegetative state is characterized by the absence of cognitive functioning while basic human functions like the sleep-wake cycle are retained. In this state, the patient shows reflex movements and basic responses to stimuli but lacks awareness or higher mental functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A) Obtunded refers to a decreased level of consciousness, not the absence of cognitive functioning. C) Locked-in syndrome is a condition where the patient is aware and awake but cannot move or communicate due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles except for vertical eye movements and blinking. D) Brain death is the irreversible cessation of all brain activity, including the brainstem, leading to the loss of all functions of the brain.

2. Select a myth or falsehood relating to pain, pain management, and addiction.

• A. Addiction can be accurately predicted.
• B. Withdrawal, drug tolerance, and physical dependence do not indicate addiction.
• C. Pain medications should be avoided in patients with a substance abuse history.
• D. Addiction is signaled by deception and stockpiling by the client.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because addiction cannot be accurately predicted. Choices B and C are incorrect. Withdrawal, drug tolerance, and physical dependence are not definitive signs of addiction, and pain medications can be used with patients who have a substance abuse history under careful monitoring. Choice D is incorrect because addiction is not solely signaled by deception and stockpiling; it is a complex condition with various behavioral, physical, and psychological aspects.

3. Which of the following actions can an individual nurse take to exert leadership in supporting the profession of nursing?

• A. Join a local professional organization.
• B. Talk about healthcare issues to everyone who will listen, including legislators.
• C. Register to vote.
• D. Learn about the healthcare system.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Engaging in conversations about healthcare issues with a wide audience, including legislators, is a powerful way for a nurse to exert leadership and support the nursing profession. This action helps raise awareness, advocate for nursing-related matters, and contribute to positive changes in healthcare policies. Choice A, joining a local professional organization, is beneficial but may not have the same broad impact as engaging in public discourse. Choice C, registering to vote, is important for civic engagement but does not directly relate to exerting leadership in supporting the nursing profession. Choice D, learning about the healthcare system, is valuable for personal development but does not directly address exerting leadership in supporting the nursing profession.

4. A nurse enters the hallway and discovers a visitor looking at a client's medical information on a computer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Inform the care nurse that a visitor viewed a client's protected health information.
• B. Close the documentation program on the computer.
• C. Inform the visitor that the client's records are confidential.
• D. Find out which staff member left the documentation program on the screen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take is to close the documentation program on the computer to prevent further unauthorized access to the client's medical information. Choice A is incorrect because the immediate concern is to secure the information first. Choice C, while important, can be addressed after securing the information. Choice D, finding out which staff member left the program open, is not the immediate priority when patient confidentiality is at risk.

5. Which of the following is a nursing issue of concern today?

• A. Safe staffing
• B. Low workloads
• C. Increasing professional autonomy
• D. Improving salaries

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Safe staffing. Safe staffing is a critical issue in nursing today due to its impact on patient outcomes and nurse well-being. While low workloads (choice B) may seem beneficial, they can also indicate understaffing, leading to burnout and compromising patient care. Increasing professional autonomy (choice C) is generally viewed positively as it empowers nurses, and improving salaries (choice D) is important but may not directly address patient safety concerns related to staffing levels.

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