Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate, what should the nurse check first?

• A. Temperature
• B. Respiratory status
• C. Pulse
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving morphine sulfate via continuous intravenous infusion, the nurse's priority should be checking the client's respiratory status first. Morphine sulfate can lead to respiratory depression, emphasizing the need for close monitoring of breathing. While temperature, pulse, and urine output are all essential components of the assessment, ensuring adequate respiratory function takes precedence due to the potential risk of respiratory depression associated with morphine sulfate. Promptly assessing respiratory status enables early identification of any signs of respiratory distress or depression, allowing for immediate intervention if needed.

2. A primigravida begins labor when her family is unavailable and she is alone. She is very upset that her family is not with her. Which approach can the nurse take to meet the client's needs at this time?

• A. asking whether another individual wants to be her support person
• B. assuring her that a nursing staff member will be with her at all times
• C. telling her you will try to locate her family
• D. reinforcing the woman's confidence in her own abilities to cope and maintain a sense of control

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this situation, the best approach for the nurse is to ask whether another individual wants to be the client's support person. This empowers the client to choose someone to be with her until her family can join her, providing the needed support and comfort. Assuring her that a nursing staff member will be with her at all times (Choice B) may not fully address her emotional needs for familiar support. Telling her you will try to locate her family (Choice C) may not be feasible in the immediate situation and may not provide immediate emotional support. While reinforcing the woman's confidence in her own abilities (Choice D) is important, it may not fully address her current need for emotional support and presence of a companion.

3. After delivery, a newborn undergoes an Apgar assessment. What does this scoring system evaluate?

• A. heart rate, respiratory effort, color, muscle tone, reflex irritability
• B. heart rate, bleeding, cyanosis, edema
• C. bleeding, reflex, edema
• D. respiratory effort, heart rate, seizures

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Apgar scoring system, developed by Virginia Apgar, an anesthesiologist, evaluates newborns based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, color, muscle tone, and reflex irritability. These parameters provide a quick and simple assessment of a newborn's overall condition and the need for immediate medical attention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not encompass the essential elements evaluated by the Apgar scoring system.

4. To what does legal protection of confidentiality extend?

• A. Written documentation only.
• B. Electronic dissemination of information not identifiable to a specific client.
• C. Only within the court system.
• D. Both written and verbal information.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Legal protection of confidentiality extends to both written and verbal information that is identifiable as individual private health information. Confidentiality in healthcare settings is vital to protect patients' privacy and trust. Choice A is incorrect because legal protection covers verbal information as well, not just written documentation. Choice B is incorrect as it mentions information not identifiable to a specific client, which wouldn't fall under legal protection of confidentiality. Choice C is incorrect as confidentiality extends beyond just the court system, impacting various healthcare settings and interactions. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

5. The ICU nurse caring for a client who has just been declared brain dead can expect to find evidence of the client's wishes regarding organ donation:

• A. on the client's driver's license.
• B. in the client's safety deposit box.
• C. in the client's last will and testament.
• D. on the client's insurance card.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In most states, indication of organ donor status is found on the client's driver's license, making it easily accessible for decision-making in critical situations like declaring brain death. Evidence in a last will and testament or a safety deposit box may not be promptly available. Information about organ donation is typically not included on insurance cards. The primary care physician's health record documentation could also be a relevant source for the ICU nurse. Therefore, the correct answer is finding evidence of the client's wishes regarding organ donation on the client's driver's license.

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