a client has signed the informed consent for mastectomy of the left breast on the morning of the surgical procedure the client asks the nurse several

NCLEX-PN

NCLEX PN Test Bank

1. A client has signed the informed consent for mastectomy of the left breast. On the morning of the surgical procedure, the client asks the nurse several questions about the procedure that make it obvious that she does not have an adequate comprehension of the procedure. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

A. Telling the client that she needed to ask these questions before signing the informed consent for surgery
B. Contacting the surgeon and requesting that she visit the client to answer her questions
C. Informing the client that she has the right to cancel the surgical procedure if she wishes
D. Telling the client that it is her surgeon's responsibility to explain the procedure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Informed consent is the authorization by a client or a client's legal representative to do something to the client. The surgeon is primarily responsible for explaining the surgical procedure and obtaining informed consent. If the client asks questions that alert the nurse to an inadequacy of comprehension on the client's part, the nurse has the obligation to contact the surgeon. Choice A is incorrect as the client should be allowed to ask questions even after signing the consent for surgery. Choice C is not the most appropriate response, as the primary concern is to address the client's lack of comprehension. Choice D is inaccurate, as while it is the surgeon's responsibility to explain the procedure, in this scenario, the nurse should take immediate action to ensure the client's understanding. Requesting the surgeon to visit and answer the client's questions is the most appropriate response in this situation, as it directly addresses the client's concerns and ensures proper informed consent is obtained.

2. A nurse planning care for her assigned clients understands that which aspect is the purpose of the hospital's standards of care?

A. Identify methods of treatment.
B. Provide direction for care based on the client's diagnosis.
C. Identify new care methods based on current medical research.
D. Provide direction for the practice of nursing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of the hospital's standards of care is to provide a broad direction for the overall practice of nursing that applies to all nursing situations, across specialty areas, and across the country. These standards guide the practice of nursing by outlining the expected level of care and professional performance. While identifying methods of treatment is important, it is usually specific to individual client needs and not the overarching goal of standards of care. Providing direction for care solely based on the client's diagnosis is limited to a particular patient's treatment plan and does not encompass the broader scope of nursing practice. Identifying new care methods based on current medical research is essential for advancing healthcare practices but is not the primary purpose of the hospital's standards of care.

3. Why is accurate documentation of assessment findings regarding pressure ulcers crucial?

A. To comply with legal requirements for documenting lesions.
B. To meet hospital policies for documenting lesions.
C. To fulfill physician's documentation requirements for lesions.
D. Because the nursing assessment of ulcers is a standard of nursing practice.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Accurate documentation of assessment findings regarding pressure ulcers is crucial because the nursing assessment of ulcers is a standard practice in nursing care. Documenting these findings not only ensures continuity of care but also plays a vital role in preventing further progression of the ulcer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while laws, hospital policies, and physician requirements may influence documentation practices, the primary reason for accurate documentation lies in the standards of nursing practice and the quality of patient care.

4. The LPN has been given assignments by the RN. Which assignment should the LPN question as being beyond the scope of the LPN?

A. The LPN is assigned to care for a client with diabetes mellitus who needs instructions reinforced on how to self-administer insulin.
B. The LPN is assigned to reinforce discharge teaching about dressing changes and medications to a 35-year-old man.
C. The LPN is assigned to care for a 75-year-old woman, hospitalized for dehydration, who is being discharged home today with no medications.
D. The LPN is assigned to care for a woman with newly diagnosed leukemia who will be receiving her initial dose of chemotherapy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The LPN should be able to recognize when an assignment is beyond their scope of practice. Administering chemotherapy for leukemia is not within the scope of practice for the LPN, and this assignment should be questioned. Choices A, B, and C are within the scope of practice for an LPN. Reinforcing teaching on self-administration of insulin, assisting with discharge instructions on dressing changes, and caring for a client being discharged with no medications are all appropriate tasks for an LPN.

5. Which statement about clinical pathways is inaccurate?

A. They require daily updates.
B. They illustrate the expected client response to their diagnosis.
C. The objective is improvement or discharge from the facility.
D. They are evidence-based.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is that clinical pathways do not necessarily require daily updates. Clinical pathways can be customized to be updated daily, weekly, or at other intervals based on patient needs and facility protocols. Choice A is inaccurate as daily updates are not always mandatory for clinical pathways. Choices B, C, and D are accurate features of clinical pathways: they depict the expected client response to the diagnosis, aim for improvement or discharge, and are grounded in evidence-based practices to ensure optimal care.