Before administering a prescribed electrolyte supplement, the nurse reviews a client's electrolyte panel: What should the nurse do next?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Holding potassium chloride (KCl) and calling the healthcare provider (HCP) is crucial because administering electrolytes without proper assessment can be dangerous. If the electrolyte panel shows abnormal levels, especially for potassium, the nurse must seek guidance from the healthcare provider to prevent potential harm. Re-checking the client's basic metabolic panel (BMP) (choice A) may not provide specific information about the electrolyte imbalance. Administering calcium carbonate (choice B) may not address the specific electrolyte imbalance revealed in the panel. Administering potassium chloride (KCl) (choice C) without further assessment and guidance could worsen the imbalance.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Body mechanics involve using proper posture and movements to prevent injury. Step 2: By applying body mechanics, both the client and nurse can avoid strains and injuries. Step 3: The primary goal of using body mechanics is to prevent harm to both parties involved. Step 4: Choice C correctly states that body mechanics aim to prevent injury to both the client and nurse. Summary: Choice A is incorrect as it only focuses on protecting the client. Choice B is incorrect as it only focuses on protecting the nurse. Choice D is incorrect as the main goal of body mechanics is not related to legal action but rather injury prevention for both parties.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) licensed practical nurse (LPN)/licensed vocational nurse (LVN). LPN/LVN programs are specifically designed to prepare individuals for entry-level positions in healthcare as practical/vocational nurses. Graduates from these programs must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain licensure and practice as LPNs/LVNs. Option A) associate degree in nursing (ADN) and option B) bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) are nursing programs that prepare individuals to become registered nurses (RNs) rather than LPNs/LVNs. RNs have a higher level of education and scope of practice compared to LPNs/LVNs. Option C) master of science in nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level program designed for nurses who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in specialized areas of nursing practice or leadership roles. MSN-prepared nurses typically do not start at an entry-level position that requires passing the NCLEX-PN exam. Understanding the distinctions between these nursing programs is crucial for students pursuing a career in nursing to make informed decisions about their educational pathways and future career goals. The LPN/LVN program is a valuable option for individuals seeking a more direct route to entry-level nursing practice in healthcare settings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of psychiatric nursing, the correct answer to the question is C) Hildegard Peplau. Hildegard Peplau is known for emphasizing the nurse-patient relationship as a therapeutic and collaborative partnership. She developed the theory of interpersonal relations in nursing, which highlights the importance of the nurse-patient relationship in promoting healing and facilitating the patient's growth and development. Jean Watson, known for the Theory of Human Caring, focuses on the importance of caring in nursing but does not specifically emphasize the nurse-patient relationship in the same way as Peplau. Patricia Benner is recognized for her work on the Novice to Expert theory, which describes how nurses develop their skills over time. Dorothea Orem is known for the Self-Care Deficit Theory, which focuses on the patient's ability for self-care. Understanding the theories and contributions of nursing pioneers like Hildegard Peplau is essential for nurses, especially in psychiatric nursing where therapeutic relationships play a crucial role in patient care. By recognizing Peplau's emphasis on the nurse-patient relationship, nurses can enhance their practice by building trust, promoting communication, and fostering collaboration with patients to achieve better outcomes in psychiatric care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct standard to determine if the nurse was negligent is option A: The actions of a reasonably prudent nurse with similar education and experience. This standard is based on the concept of the "reasonable nurse," which considers what a competent and diligent nurse would do in similar circumstances. Option B, the physician's orders, is not the appropriate standard for determining nursing negligence as nurses have a responsibility to independently assess and validate orders before carrying them out. Option C, the drug literature about terbutaline, provides information on the medication but does not serve as a standard for nursing practice. Option D, the action of a clinical nurse specialist, is not a generalizable standard for all nurses and may not reflect the actions of a reasonably prudent nurse in this specific situation. From an educational perspective, understanding the concept of the reasonable nurse standard is crucial in nursing practice. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, clinical judgment, and evidence-based decision-making in providing safe and competent patient care. Nurses must always adhere to this standard to ensure patient safety and prevent negligence in their practice.