Nursing Elites

1. As a valued member of the team on your nursing care unit, you are trying to determine whether the team is doing well. Which of the following is a sign that your team is successful?

• A. Conflict occurs but is seen as an opportunity for team growth and development.
• B. No negative feelings are expressed, leading to everyone being happy and satisfied.
• C. Mistakes are not tolerated and result in disciplinary action.
• D. People avoid taking risks and stick to the status quo.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: One of the key indicators of a successful team is the ability to handle conflict positively. Conflict, when managed well, can lead to team growth and development. Choice B is incorrect because suppressing negative feelings does not indicate team success; open communication is crucial. Choice C is incorrect as successful teams view mistakes as learning opportunities rather than resorting to disciplinary action. Choice D is incorrect because successful teams are often innovative and willing to take risks rather than maintaining the status quo.

2. What is the flap of tissue that covers the trachea upon swallowing called?

• A. Epidermis
• B. Endocardium
• C. Epiglottis
• D. Epistaxis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Epiglottis. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that covers the trachea when swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway. Choice A, Epidermis, is the outer layer of the skin and is not related to the trachea. Choice B, Endocardium, is the inner lining of the heart chambers and is also unrelated to the trachea. Choice D, Epistaxis, refers to a nosebleed and is not the correct term for the tissue covering the trachea.

3. The nurse is examining a 2-year-old child and asks, "May I listen to your heart now?"? Which critique of the nurse's technique is most accurate?

• A. Asking questions may enhance the child's autonomy.
• B. Asking the child for permission helps develop a sense of trust.
• C. This question is an inappropriate statement because children at this age like to have choices.
• D. Children at this age like to say, "No."? The examiner should not offer a choice when no choice is available.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Children at the age of 2 often like to assert their independence by saying "No."? In situations where there is actually no choice available, offering a false choice can lead to a lack of trust. It is important not to offer a choice when there isn't one, as doing so may undermine trust. While asking for permission can enhance autonomy and trust, offering a limited option like, "Shall I listen to your heart next or your tummy?"? may be a better approach. Therefore, the correct critique of the nurse's technique in this scenario is that children at this age tend to say "No,"? so the examiner should avoid offering a choice when there isn't a real alternative.

4. A new staff nurse completes orientation to the psychiatric unit. This nurse will expect to ask an advanced practice nurse to perform which action for patients?

• A. Perform mental health assessment interviews
• B. Establish therapeutic relationships
• C. Prescribe psychotropic medications
• D. Individualize nursing care plans

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Prescriptive privileges are granted to Master's-prepared nurse practitioners who have taken special courses on prescribing medications. The nurse prepared at the basic level performs mental health assessments, establishes relationships, and provides individualized care planning. In this scenario, the new staff nurse would ask the advanced practice nurse to prescribe psychotropic medications, as this is within their scope of practice and expertise. Establishing therapeutic relationships, performing mental health assessments, and individualizing care plans are typically responsibilities of staff nurses at the basic level, not advanced practice nurses.

5. During change-of-shift report, the nurse learns about the following four patients. Which patient requires assessment first?

• A. 40-year-old with chronic pancreatitis who has gnawing abdominal pain
• B. 58-year-old who has compensated cirrhosis and is complaining of anorexia
• C. 55-year-old with cirrhosis and ascites who has an oral temperature of 102°F (38.8°C)
• D. 36-year-old recovering from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy who has severe shoulder pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When prioritizing patient assessments, the nurse should address the patient with cirrhosis and ascites who has an elevated oral temperature of 102°F (38.8°C) first. This presentation suggests a potential infection, which is critical to address promptly in a patient with liver disease. An infection in a patient with cirrhosis can quickly progress to severe complications. The other options, such as chronic pancreatitis with abdominal pain, compensated cirrhosis with anorexia, and post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy with shoulder pain, do not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation requiring urgent assessment compared to a possible infection in a patient with cirrhosis and ascites.

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