A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has a sodium level of 125 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L). Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?
- A. Positive Chvostek's sign
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Numbness of the extremities
- D. Abdominal cramping
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Abdominal cramping. A sodium level of 125 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to abdominal cramping due to electrolyte imbalance affecting muscle function. Chvostek's sign (choice A) is associated with hypocalcemia, not hyponatremia. Bradycardia (choice B) is more commonly seen in hyperkalemia. Numbness of the extremities (choice C) is a symptom of hypocalcemia or peripheral neuropathy, not specifically related to hyponatremia. In summary, the healthcare professional should expect abdominal cramping as a result of the low sodium level in this client.
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A nurse needs to know how to increase her power base. Which of the following are ways nurses can generate power as described by Umiker?
- A. Using body language, standing when talking
- B. Listening for feelings
- C. Using words, avoiding clich©s
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because all the options mentioned contribute to increasing a nurse's power base.
A: Using body language and standing when talking can convey confidence and assertiveness, enhancing power.
B: Listening for feelings builds rapport and empathy, leading to influence and power.
C: Using words effectively and avoiding clichés demonstrates communication skills, influencing power dynamics.
Therefore, by combining these strategies, nurses can maximize their power base effectively.
The time period to give as notice for an appraisal is:
- A. One day.
- B. None.
- C. One week.
- D. Two days.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Two days. The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) requires a minimum of two days' notice for an appraisal. This time frame allows the appraiser to adequately prepare for the appraisal assignment, gather necessary information, and schedule the inspection. Choice A is incorrect as one day is not sufficient time for proper preparation. Choice B is incorrect as no notice is not in compliance with USPAP standards. Choice C is incorrect as one week exceeds the minimum requirement of two days.
Which of the following types of leadership behaviors would be most useful when managing a staff of newly trained CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants)?
- A. Achievement-oriented
- B. Supportive
- C. Participative
- D. Directive
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Directive. In managing newly trained CNAs, directive leadership is most useful as it provides clear instructions and guidance for the inexperienced staff. This helps ensure they understand expectations and tasks. Achievement-oriented leadership (A) may be overwhelming for new staff, supportive leadership (B) may not provide enough structure, and participative leadership (C) may be confusing for staff who require clear direction and guidance. Ultimately, directive leadership is the most appropriate for managing newly trained CNAs due to the need for clear instructions and structure.
Your values do not coincide with your colleagues. When you report for your shift on nights and staff are not responding to patient requests for pain medication, you, as the nurse responsible for collecting data about patient quality of care, should:
- A. Explain to the nurse manager that quality problems are because of staff apathy.
- B. Issue a memo to staff to assess patients and document their response to the pain medication.
- C. Explain to staff that improving quality is one of your annual goals and you expect them to follow through.
- D. Schedule meetings to engage with staff to monitor pain management.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because scheduling meetings to engage with staff to monitor pain management is the most effective approach to address the issue. This option promotes open communication, collaboration, and continuous monitoring to ensure patient needs are met. By engaging with staff, you can identify root causes of the problem, provide education or training if needed, and establish a plan for improvement.
Option A is incorrect as blaming staff apathy without further investigation is not constructive. Option B is also incorrect as issuing a memo may not address the underlying issues causing staff not to respond to patient requests. Option C is not as effective as scheduling meetings because simply expecting staff to follow through without addressing their concerns or providing support may not lead to sustainable improvements.
Which of the following strategies is most effective for improving staff morale?
- A. Increasing workload
- B. Increasing salaries
- C. Providing feedback
- D. Offering incentives
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Providing feedback. Feedback is essential for staff morale as it communicates appreciation, areas for improvement, and fosters a sense of engagement. It allows employees to understand their performance, feel valued, and motivated to improve. Increasing workload (A) can lead to burnout and decreased morale. While increasing salaries (B) can boost morale, it may not address underlying issues. Offering incentives (D) can be effective, but they are short-term solutions and may not address intrinsic motivation or long-term morale. Feedback, on the other hand, provides ongoing support and guidance to employees, making it the most effective strategy for improving staff morale.