A 48-year-old male patient screened for diabetes at a clinic has a fasting plasma glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L). The nurse will plan to teach the patient about
- A. self-monitoring of blood glucose
- B. using low doses of regular insulin
- C. lifestyle changes to lower blood glucose
- D. effects of oral hypoglycemic medications
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a patient has a fasting plasma glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L), indicating prediabetes, the initial approach is focused on lifestyle modifications to lower blood glucose levels. These changes may include dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, and weight management. Self-monitoring of blood glucose, insulin therapy, and oral hypoglycemic medications are not typically the first-line interventions for patients with prediabetes. Educating the patient about lifestyle changes to lower blood glucose is the most appropriate action at this stage.
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An RN cared for a state senator during the day shift. Later that day he was having dinner with friends when the news mentioned the senator had been hospitalized. The RN’s friends asked if he knew what was wrong with the senator. Which ethical principle should the RN consider when replying?
- A. Fidelity
- B. Confidentiality
- C. Veracity
- D. Accountability
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
A healthcare professional is preparing to delegate client care tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks should the healthcare professional delegate?
- A. Confirming that a client's pain has decreased after receiving an analgesic
- B. Ambulating a client who is postoperative
- C. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter for a client
- D. Demonstrating the use of an incentive spirometer to a client
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is option A: 'Confirming that a client's pain has decreased after receiving an analgesic.' This task involves assessing the effectiveness of the medication, which can be delegated to the assistive personnel. Options B, C, and D involve skills that should be performed by licensed healthcare professionals due to their complexity and potential risks if not done correctly. Ambulating a postoperative client requires monitoring for signs of distress or complications, inserting a urinary catheter involves an invasive procedure with infection risks, and demonstrating the use of medical devices like an incentive spirometer requires specialized knowledge to ensure correct usage.
Which of the following skills are essential for healthcare professionals in today's healthcare environment?
- A. Communication
- B. Supervision & Management
- C. Delegation
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In today's healthcare environment, professionals require a diverse skill set to effectively navigate the complexities of patient care. Communication is fundamental for effective patient interactions, teamwork, and collaboration. Supervision and management skills are crucial for overseeing patient care and ensuring operational efficiency. Delegation is important for distributing tasks appropriately among team members. Therefore, all the skills mentioned (communication, supervision, management, and delegation) are essential for healthcare professionals in today's healthcare environment. The correct answer is 'All of the above' because all the skills listed are crucial and interlinked in providing high-quality patient care in the current healthcare setting. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each skill plays a vital role in the multifaceted responsibilities of healthcare professionals, and focusing on only one aspect would be limiting in today's dynamic healthcare landscape.
What is the main purpose of a patient satisfaction survey?
- A. To improve patient outcomes
- B. To evaluate nursing performance
- C. To measure patient satisfaction
- D. To assess healthcare facilities
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The main purpose of a patient satisfaction survey is to measure patient satisfaction. These surveys aim to gather feedback directly from patients regarding their experiences and perceptions of the healthcare services they have received. Choice A is incorrect because while patient satisfaction may impact outcomes indirectly, the primary goal of the survey is not to directly improve patient outcomes. Choice B is incorrect as patient satisfaction surveys are not primarily focused on evaluating nursing performance specifically. Choice D is also incorrect as the main focus of the survey is on the satisfaction of patients rather than assessing healthcare facilities.
A patient who was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to a urinary tract infection has been weaned off an insulin drip 30 minutes ago. The patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Infuse dextrose 50% by slow IV push.
- B. Administer 1 mg glucagon subcutaneously.
- C. Obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick.
- D. Have the patient drink 4 ounces of orange juice.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty after being weaned off an insulin drip is to obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick. This will provide crucial information on the patient's current blood glucose level, helping the nurse assess if the symptoms are due to hypoglycemia. Based on the glucose reading, appropriate interventions can be initiated, such as administering dextrose, glucagon, or oral sugars like orange juice if hypoglycemia is confirmed. However, verifying the blood glucose level is the initial step to guide subsequent actions and ensure patient safety.