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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Which of the following is expected to be most likely true in the near future?
- A. Quality improvement projects will decline due to cost-cutting measures.
- B. Alternative and complementary approaches will gain acceptance in medical practice.
- C. Care will primarily shift away from the hospital setting.
- D. Increased focus on care transitions will involve nursing.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the near future, there will be an increased focus on care transitions involving nursing. This means that nurses will play a crucial role in preparing patients for transitions between different care settings, ensuring continuity and quality of care. Choice A is incorrect because quality improvement projects are essential and are not expected to decline. Choice B is incorrect as alternative and complementary approaches are increasingly being integrated into medical practice. Choice C is incorrect as there is a growing trend towards providing care in community settings and homes, moving away from primarily hospital-based care.
A nurse working on a med-surg unit is managing the care of four clients. The nurse should schedule an interdisciplinary conference for which of the following clients?
- A. A client who is at risk for pressure ulcers and has an albumin level of 4.2 g/dL
- B. A client with type 1 DM who uses an insulin pump
- C. A client who is receiving heparin and has an aPTT of 34 seconds
- D. A client with orthostatic hypotension receiving IV fluids
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should schedule an interdisciplinary conference for a client who is receiving heparin and has an aPTT of 34 seconds to ensure comprehensive care coordination. In this case, the need for a conference may be to discuss potential adjustments in heparin therapy, monitor for adverse effects, or ensure proper anticoagulation levels. Choices A, B, and D do not specifically indicate the need for interdisciplinary collaboration related to the client's condition or treatment. Therefore, they are not the priority for scheduling an interdisciplinary conference.
A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's laboratory report and notes that the serum calcium level is 4.0 mg/dL. The healthcare professional understands that which condition most likely caused this serum calcium level?
- A. Prolonged bed rest
- B. Renal insufficiency
- C. Hyperparathyroidism
- D. Excessive ingestion of vitamin D
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Prolonged bed rest can lead to hypocalcemia due to decreased mobility and bone resorption. In this scenario, the low serum calcium level of 4.0 mg/dL is likely a result of decreased bone activity and calcium release due to prolonged bed rest. Renal insufficiency would more likely lead to hypercalcemia due to impaired excretion of calcium by the kidneys. Hyperparathyroidism is characterized by increased calcium levels as a result of excess parathyroid hormone. Excessive ingestion of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia by increasing intestinal absorption of calcium.
What is the primary focus of primary healthcare?
- A. Emergency care
- B. Preventive care
- C. Specialized treatment
- D. Hospital-based services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Preventive care. Primary healthcare emphasizes preventive care, which includes promoting overall health, preventing diseases, and providing early intervention to avoid the progression of illnesses. Emergency care (choice A) is focused on immediate medical attention for urgent health situations but is not the primary focus of primary healthcare. Specialized treatment (choice C) refers to care provided by specialists for specific health conditions, which is not the main focus of primary healthcare. Hospital-based services (choice D) involve inpatient care provided in a hospital setting, which is not the primary focus of primary healthcare that aims to provide comprehensive and accessible care at the community level.
Which of the following strategies can help reduce healthcare-associated infections?
- A. Using outdated medical equipment
- B. Implementing strict hygiene protocols
- C. Increasing patient wait times
- D. Reducing nursing staff
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: Implementing strict hygiene protocols can help reduce healthcare-associated infections. By maintaining high standards of hygiene, such as proper handwashing, sterilization of equipment, and cleanliness of the environment, the spread of infections can be minimized. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Using outdated medical equipment can increase the risk of infections due to lack of proper maintenance and sterilization. Increasing patient wait times may lead to frustration but does not directly impact infection rates. Reducing nursing staff can compromise patient care and monitoring but is not specifically related to reducing healthcare-associated infections.