Priority scenarios

roser13, ASN, RN · Apr 19, 2016

You have the interview - what do you think?

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Apr 19, 2016

Hi guys, I have some scenarios i would like to ask that i was told I may be asked for my interview for a scholarship.
Who would you see first?
scenario 1) A patient with bright red stools or a patient with dark red stools?
scenario 2) What action do you do first?
Give cardizem to a pt with uncontrolled rapid a-fib or give an antibiotic to a septic patient?
What are your thoughts?

Are you actually a nurse, as your credentials state? I'm far from the most experienced nurse, but those are somewhat basic questions that any nurse should be able to easily answer.

miamiheatrn, BSN · Apr 19, 2016

Are you actually a nurse, as your credentials state? I'm far from the most experienced nurse, but those are somewhat basic questions that any nurse should be able to easily answer.

Yes I am a new grad RN, thanks for your kind comments bud. I was just asking for your opinions, not criticism

Anyways,

to scenario 1 I say dark stools (upper gi) is more urgent.

and for scenario 2, i would give the cardizem to the rapid uncontrolled afib.

Cowboyardee · Apr 19, 2016

Yes I am a new grad RN, thanks for your kind comments bud. I was just asking for your opinions, not criticism
Anyways,
to scenario 1 I say dark stools (upper gi) is more urgent.
and for scenario 2, i would give the cardizem to the rapid uncontrolled afib.

I'm assuming this is an in-person interview where you'll be answering these questions. If I'm wrong, please correct me. For these kinds of interviews, bear in mind that often the most important part of the answer isn't your ability to get the 'correct' answer but to reason soundly and to explain your reasoning. A wrong answer with a good thoughtful explanation is better than a correct answer wherein it becomes obvious that the interviewee was merely guessing when asked to explain why.

miamiheatrn, BSN · Apr 19, 2016

I'm assuming this is an in-person interview where you'll be answering these questions. If I'm wrong, please correct me. For these kinds of interviews, bear in mind that often the most important part of the answer isn't your ability to get the 'correct' answer but to reason soundly and to explain your reasoning. A wrong answer with a good thoughtful explanation is better than a correct answer wherein it becomes obvious that the interviewee was merely guessing when asked to explain why.

Yeah its for a new-grad residency program in the ER. I totally agree with you, I think its more about challenging your thought process and way of thinking rather than it being like an exam question (right or wrong question) .

I elect upper GI because you dont know how long that bleed has been there, it could be a day or a week. Rather than bright red (lower GI) being a fresh bleed. As for the other one, i didnt choose the antibiotic because in my inexperienced opinion antibiotics are not a priority in septic shock, fluids and pressors are to maintain organ perfusion.

Thanks for your feedback!