After receiving change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient with a blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL (hypoglycemia) needs immediate attention as it is an emergency situation that requires prompt intervention to prevent adverse effects. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications, such as seizures or loss of consciousness. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing and managing this patient first to prevent further deterioration. Choices A, C, and D do not present immediate life-threatening situations requiring urgent intervention like severe hypoglycemia does. A high hemoglobin A1C level, an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test result, and acute abdominal pain, while important, do not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life compared to severe hypoglycemia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Practicing and reviewing procedures for performing skills is crucial for a student preparing for a clinical experience. This preparation allows the student to build competence and confidence in executing required tasks. Reviewing class notes may be helpful for theoretical knowledge but may not adequately prepare the student for practical skills needed in a clinical setting. Familiarizing oneself with the clinical facility is beneficial but does not directly address skill readiness. Arriving early is important but does not substitute for the essential preparation of practicing and reviewing procedures for performing skills.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Protection is the fundamental principle of patient advocacy, ensuring that patients' rights and interests are safeguarded. Advocacy involves actively speaking up for the patient, ensuring they receive proper care, their wishes are respected, and they are protected from harm or exploitation. It goes beyond independence, caring, and competence, focusing on safeguarding the patient's well-being and ensuring their rights are upheld. While independence, caring, and competence are important aspects of patient care, they do not encompass the core principle of advocacy, which is to protect the patient's rights and well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Denial. When healthcare professionals have substance abuse problems, denial is often the initial sign they exhibit. Denial involves minimizing or refusing to acknowledge the issue, making it difficult to recognize and address the substance abuse problem. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Avoidance, bargaining, and regression are not typically the first signs displayed by healthcare professionals with substance abuse problems. By identifying denial early on, healthcare professionals can take the necessary steps to seek help and overcome substance abuse issues.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A critical pathway should be revised when variances in the patient's progress indicate a new trend or deviation from the expected course of treatment. This allows healthcare providers to adjust the pathway to ensure optimal patient care and outcomes. Changes in the critical pathway are not typically driven by its length or external factors like team member retirements or client discharges. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because the length of the critical pathway alone does not determine the need for revision. Choices C and D are irrelevant to the patient's progress and treatment plan, making them incorrect.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: If the informal discussion between the nurse and nurse manager does not resolve the issue regarding the physician's report on the nurse's performance, the nurse can submit a written appeal within 10 days, according to the health care facility policy. This 10-day timeframe ensures a prompt resolution of disputes and maintains clear communication channels within the healthcare setting. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they exceed the time limit allowed for the nurse to submit an appeal, which is specified to be 10 days.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Critical thinking involves evaluating information from various sources. In this scenario, the nurse displays critical thinking by seeking additional peer-reviewed articles that support the author's recommendation. This action ensures that decisions are based on a comprehensive understanding of the topic rather than relying solely on one source. By exploring other peer-reviewed articles, the nurse can validate the proposed change and make informed decisions regarding patient care. Choice A, implementing the article's recommendations, may not encompass a thorough evaluation of the information presented. Choice B, presenting the article to the nurse manager, is a valid step but does not directly involve critical analysis of the information. Choice D, disregarding the article, goes against the essence of critical thinking, which emphasizes the evaluation and consideration of various perspectives.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Patient autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own healthcare decisions based on their values and preferences. It emphasizes the importance of respecting patients' rights to choose their treatment options, even if their decisions may not align with healthcare providers' recommendations. Choice B, the duty to do no harm, refers to the ethical principle of nonmaleficence. Choice C, the obligation to tell the truth, is related to the principle of veracity. Choice D, the responsibility to provide equitable care, pertains to the concept of justice in healthcare.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Problem-solving process. The problem-solving process involving seven specific steps is a structured approach that nurses can utilize when immediate action is required. This method allows for a systematic and organized way of addressing urgent issues, ensuring a thorough and effective problem-solving approach. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically refer to the structured method involving seven specific steps that nurses can follow for effective problem-solving.