major competencies for the nurse giving end of life care include

NCLEX-PN

Nclex Exam Cram Practice Questions

1. Major competencies for the nurse giving end-of-life care include:

A. demonstrating respect and compassion, and applying knowledge and skills in care of the family and the client.
B. assessing and intervening to support total management of the family and client.
C. setting goals, expectations, and dynamic changes to care for the client.
D. keeping all sad news away from the family and client.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In providing end-of-life care, nurses must possess essential competencies. Demonstrating respect and compassion, along with applying knowledge and skills in caring for both the family and the client, are crucial competencies. These skills help create a supportive and empathetic environment for individuals facing end-of-life situations. Choice B is incorrect because while assessing and intervening are important, they do not encompass the core competencies required for end-of-life care. Choice C is also incorrect; although setting goals and expectations is valuable, the primary focus should be on providing compassionate care. Choice D is incorrect as withholding sad news goes against the principles of honesty and transparency in end-of-life care.

2. A 51-year-old client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig disease) is admitted to the hospital because his condition is deteriorating. The client tells the nurse that he wants a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The nurse should provide the client with which information?

A. Oral consent is not sufficient, and the client's request will be honored by all healthcare providers.
B. Consent must be obtained from the family.
C. The DNR request should be discussed with the healthcare provider, who will write the order.
D. The healthcare provider makes the final decision about a DNR request.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client requests a DNR order, the nurse should contact the healthcare provider so that the provider may discuss the request with the client. A DNR order should be written, not verbal, following agency and state guidelines. Therefore, the correct answer is that the DNR request should be discussed with the healthcare provider, who will write the order. Option A is incorrect as oral consent is not sufficient for a DNR order. Option B is incorrect because the client, not the family, has the authority to request a DNR order. Option D is incorrect because the healthcare provider discusses the request with the client but does not make the final decision.

3. An LPN on a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) team is tasked with implementing strategies to reduce medication errors. Which of the following strategies would be most beneficial for the LPN to implement?

A. Track individuals who commit medication errors and report them to administration.
B. Remind staff of the five rights of medication administration.
C. Ensure that all staff members are proficient in completing incident reports if a medication error occurs.
D. Double-check that staff document medication administration in the electronic medical record.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most beneficial strategy for the LPN on a CQI team to implement is to ensure that all staff members are proficient in completing incident reports if a medication error occurs. Organized and accurate incident reports are crucial in tracking and understanding why errors occurred. CQI teams utilize incident reports to develop new policies or enhance existing ones to standardize medical processes and reduce errors. Tracking individuals with medication errors (Choice A) may create a culture of blame rather than focusing on system improvements. Reminding staff of the five rights of medication administration (Choice B) is important for knowledge reinforcement but does not directly address the process improvement aspect. Double-checking documentation in the electronic medical record (Choice D) is necessary for accuracy but does not provide the detailed insights obtained from incident reports for process improvement.

4. What spinal change occurring with pregnancy alters mobility?

A. Scoliosis.
B. Kyphosis.
C. Lordosis.
D. Ankylosing spondylitis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Lordosis.' During pregnancy, the enlarging uterus places increased weight on the spine, causing an exaggerated inward curvature known as lordosis. This change alters mobility by shifting the center of gravity forward, leading to a compensatory change in posture. Scoliosis (choice A) is a sideways curvature of the spine, not typically associated with pregnancy. Kyphosis (choice B) is an exaggerated outward curvature of the spine, while ankylosing spondylitis (choice D) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the spine, neither of which are directly related to the spinal changes seen in pregnancy.

5. A client is refusing to stay in the hospital because he does not agree with his healthcare treatment plan. The nurse stops the client from leaving due to concern for his health. Which of these legal charges could the nurse face?

A. False imprisonment, as the nurse is not allowing the client to leave as he has decided to.
B. Malpractice, as the nurse is intentionally keeping the patient from making his own decisions, thus violating that nursing duty.
C. Invasion of privacy, as the nurse is getting involved in the patient's private decisions regarding healthcare.
D. Negligence, as the nurse ignored the client's right to choose regarding his healthcare.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Refusing to let a client leave against medical advice (AMA) is a form of false imprisonment. In this scenario, the nurse is restricting the client's freedom of movement by preventing him from leaving the hospital, even though he has expressed his wish to leave. False imprisonment is a legal charge the nurse could face in this situation. The other options are incorrect: - Malpractice refers to professional negligence or failure to provide adequate care, not allowing a patient to make their own decisions. - Invasion of privacy involves disclosing confidential information without consent, not preventing a patient from leaving. - Negligence is the failure to take reasonable care, but it does not specifically address the act of restricting a patient from leaving against their wishes.