After receiving change of shift report, the nurse prepares to administer morning medications. Which medication should the nurse administer first?
Stimulant laxative to a patient who has not had a bowel movement in 3 days.
Intravenous (IV) proton-pump inhibitor medication to a patient who is nothing by mouth (NPO).
Rapid acting insulin to a patient who has breakfast tray in the room.
Loop diuretic to a patient with a potassium (K+) level of 3.2 mEq/L.
The Correct Answer is C
Medication prioritization in acute care is guided by physiologic stability, time-critical pharmacodynamics, risk of rapid deterioration, and food–drug interactions, with priority given to agents preventing acute metabolic imbalance, hypoglycemia, or life-threatening complications.
Rationale:
A. Stimulant laxatives promote intestinal peristalsis and are used for constipation management. A 3-day absence of bowel movement is not an acute emergency. This medication is not time-sensitive and does not address immediate life-threatening physiological instability.
B. IV proton-pump inhibitors suppress gastric acid secretion and are commonly administered in NPO patients to prevent stress ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. While important, they are not as immediately time-critical as glucose management in preventing acute hypoglycemia.
C. Rapid-acting insulin must be administered in coordination with meal intake to prevent acute hypoglycemia. Administering it when the breakfast tray is present ensures glucose availability matches insulin peak action, preventing potentially life-threatening hypoglycemic crisis and neurologic compromise.
D. Loop diuretics increase urinary excretion of sodium and potassium. A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which increases risk for dysrhythmias. Administering a loop diuretic could worsen electrolyte imbalance, making this medication inappropriate and unsafe at this time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Effective change management utilizes leadership, communication, engagement, organizational-alignment to facilitate successful transitions. It emphasizes shared vision, stakeholder participation, and institutional support to reduce resistance, maintain motivation, and ensure implementation aligns with strategic goals and patient care priorities.
Rationale:
A. If this approach doesn't work, at least we can say we've tried reflects lack of commitment and weak leadership direction. It undermines confidence in the initiative. This statement conveys uncertainty. It negatively affects motivation and does not promote successful change implementation.
B. We cannot lose sight of the mission and values of our institution as we begin to integrate these changes reinforces alignment with organizational goals. It ensures consistency in practice. This focus strengthens purpose. It supports alignment with institutional standards during change.
C. In order for this plan to work, everyone must agree to be a participant promotes inclusivity and shared responsibility. Engagement increases acceptance of change. This approach encourages collaboration. It enhances participation and fosters collective commitment to implementation success.
D. Although this task is going to be difficult, we have the full support of hospital administration acknowledges challenges while reinforcing leadership backing. It builds confidence among staff. This reassurance promotes trust. It supports leadership and encourages persistence during change processes.
E. Let's wait until administration has completed their reorganization before we implement change demonstrates delay and lack of initiative. Effective change requires timely action. This response avoids responsibility. It weakens progress and does not support proactive change management.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Epidemiology utilizes biostatistics to track morbidity patterns within specific populations. These metrics analyze disease distribution and determinants of health, providing a quantitative framework for managing public health interventions and allocating resources effectively to combat pathological outbreaks.
Rationale:
A. Incidence quantifies the rate of newly diagnosed cases during a specific period. Prevalence reflects the proportion of the population living with the condition, including both old and new cases. This distinction is vital for assessing epidemiological trends and healthcare burden.
B. This choice incorrectly suggests that the metrics depend on reporting status rather than temporal occurrence. Both measurements rely on accurate data collection and notifiable disease surveillance. This definition fails to address the temporal relationship between new and existing cases.
C. Mortality rates track fatal cases, whereas prevalence includes all individuals currently surviving with the disease. While case-fatality ratios impact the duration of a condition, they do not define incidence. These terms describe clinical outcomes rather than the frequency of occurrence.
D. This choice is factually incorrect as it reverses the standard definitions used in medical research. Incidence is never the total, and prevalence is never just the new cases. Maintaining this reversal would lead to significant errors in clinical judgment.
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