Nursing Elites

1. A nurse stops at a motor vehicle collision site to render aid until the emergency personnel arrive and applies pressure to a groin wound that is bleeding profusely. Later the client has to have the leg amputated and sues the nurse for malpractice. Which is the most likely outcome of this lawsuit?

• A. The Patient's Bill of Rights protects clients from malicious intents, so the nurse could lose the case.
• B. The lawsuit may be settled out of court, but the nurse's license is likely to be revoked.
• C. There will be no judgment against the nurse, whose actions were protected under the Good Samaritan Act.
• D. The client will win because the four elements of negligence (duty, breach, causation, and damages) can be proved.

Correct answer: There will be no judgment against the nurse, whose actions were protected under the Good Samaritan Act.

Rationale: The Good Samaritan Act protects healthcare professionals who provide care in good faith from malpractice claims, regardless of the client outcome. In this scenario, the nurse stopped at the scene voluntarily to render aid, which is protected under the Good Samaritan Act. This law shields individuals from legal liability when providing emergency care in good faith and without expectation of compensation. The Patient's Bill of Rights does protect clients, but in this case, the nurse's actions were protected by the Good Samaritan Act. Additionally, the state Board of Nursing would not likely revoke the nurse's license unless there was evidence of actions taken in bad faith or unreasonable care. The client would not win the lawsuit as the essential elements of malpractice, including duty, breach, causation, and damages, were not met in this situation.

2. Which response would the nurse make when a client moans softly, 'Oh no, I’m next. They couldn’t protect him, and they can’t protect me,' after learning a recently discharged client committed suicide?

• A. ''The other person was a lot sicker than you are.''
• B. ''You seem to be afraid that you’ll hurt yourself.''
• C. ''That was different. He was at home, but you’re here.''
• D. ''There’s no need to worry. You have a better support system.''

Correct answer: ''You seem to be afraid that you’ll hurt yourself.''

Rationale: The nurse would make the statement, 'You seem to be afraid that you'll hurt yourself.' This response acknowledges the client's emotional distress and opens up the opportunity for the client to discuss their feelings, showing empathy and understanding. Choice A, 'The other person was a lot sicker than you are,' dismisses the client's emotions and fails to address the underlying fear of self-harm. Choice C, 'That was different. He was at home, but you’re here,' invalidates the client's concerns and does not encourage further discussion. Choice D, 'There’s no need to worry. You have a better support system,' offers false reassurance and does not address the client's expressed fear, missing an opportunity for therapeutic communication.

3. Which nurse statement defines boundaries in the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship when talking to a depressed client who has just been admitted to the psychiatric unit?

• A. ''Tell me about the relationship that you have with your mother and father.''
• B. ''Hello! I'm Nurse Andrea. I'll introduce you around and help you settle in.''
• C. ''What is the main thing that you would like to work on during therapy?'
• D. ''I understand that you have been depressed. What can you tell me about that?'

Correct answer: ''Hello! I'm Nurse Andrea. I'll introduce you around and help you settle in.''

Rationale: In the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, setting boundaries involves establishing the nurse's role and responsibilities while maintaining a professional distance. Option B demonstrates a clear boundary by introducing the nurse and offering assistance with settling in, which is appropriate for the initial phase of building rapport with the client. Choices A, C, and D delve into personal or therapeutic topics that are more suitable for the working phase of the relationship when the client's goals and problems are being addressed. Asking about the client's family relationships (Choice A), therapy focus (Choice C), or delving into the client's depression (Choice D) would be more relevant in later stages of the therapeutic process, once trust and rapport have been established during the orientation phase.

4. A 5-year-old child has been recently admitted to the hospital. According to Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development stages, the child is in which stage?

• A. Trust vs. mistrust
• B. Initiative vs. guilt
• C. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
• D. Intimacy vs. isolation

Correct answer: Initiative vs. guilt

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Initiative vs. guilt.' According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial development stages, children aged 3-6 years old are in the stage of initiative versus guilt. During this stage, children begin to assert their power and control over the environment. They develop a sense of purpose and direction, but may also experience feelings of guilt if they believe their actions have caused harm or conflict. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. 'Trust vs. mistrust' is the first stage for infants, 'Autonomy vs. shame and doubt' is the second stage for toddlers, and 'Intimacy vs. isolation' is a stage that occurs later in adulthood.

5. The client has a new colostomy. Which client outcome is most important for achievement of long-range goals associated with adjusting to a new colostomy?

• A. Mastery of colostomy care techniques
• B. Readiness to accept an altered body function
• C. Awareness of community resources available
• D. Understanding necessary dietary modifications

Correct answer: Readiness to accept an altered body function

Rationale: The most crucial client outcome for successful adjustment to a new colostomy is the readiness to accept an altered body function. Acceptance of changes in body image and function is essential to facilitate mastery of colostomy care techniques and optimal utilization of community resources. Without readiness to accept the altered body function, the client may not be open to learning and adopting necessary changes, hindering the achievement of long-term goals. Understanding dietary modifications, while important, is secondary to the fundamental acceptance of the altered body function in the process of adjusting to a new colostomy.

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