Nursing Elites

1. A discharge planning nurse works with a wide variety of families when organizing care for older adults after their discharge from the hospital. Which of the following relationship structures would the nurse consider to be a family? Select all that apply.

• A. Mr. E and his partner, Mr. S, who live together in an apartment
• B. Mr. R and his new 'lady friend,' who began cohabiting 2 months ago
• C. Mrs. B and her daughter, son-in-law, and widowed sister, all of whom share a house
• D. Mr. R, who is estranged from his children and has lived with his brother, a bachelor, for several years

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. While not traditional nuclear family structures, all of the given relationships and living arrangements constitute family units. Mr. E and his partner, Mr. S, who live together in an apartment, form a family unit. Choice B is not considered a family as it describes a relatively new and non-committal relationship. Choice C describes a traditional family structure with Mrs. B, her daughter, son-in-law, and widowed sister sharing a house, which also constitutes a family unit. Choice D describes a situation where Mr. R is estranged from his children and living with his bachelor brother, which can also be considered a family unit but is not as inclusive as the relationship described in choice A.

2. How does guardianship differ from power of attorney?

• A. The court appoints a guardian; an individual grants a power of attorney to someone else to make decisions on his or her behalf.
• B. Guardianship is legally binding whether or not an individual is competent; power of attorney applies only to the incompetent.
• C. Courts monitor the actions of those executing a power of attorney, but guardians are free to act on behalf of another as long as standards of 'reasonable prudence' are met.
• D. Guardianship stays in effect for one calendar year and must be renewed annually; power of attorney stays in effect until one or both parties choose to revoke it.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The key difference between guardianship and power of attorney is that the court appoints a guardian to make decisions on behalf of an individual who is deemed incompetent, while an individual grants a power of attorney to someone else to make decisions on their behalf when they are competent. Choice B is incorrect because both guardianship and power of attorney can apply to individuals who are competent or incompetent. Choice C is incorrect as guardians, like those with power of attorney, must act in the best interest of the individual they represent, and the level of oversight can vary. Choice D is incorrect as guardianship and power of attorney do not have fixed time limits; they remain in effect until revoked or ended by the appropriate legal process.

3. A gerontological nurse is conducting an in-service program for a group of nurses who work with a wide range of culturally diverse older adults. After teaching the group about the impact of culture on health and illness, the nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the group identifies which reason as underlying the need to understand culture?

• A. Ensure that clients receive the respect customary in their own ethnic group
• B. Provide individualized and culturally sensitive care
• C. Ensure that medical treatments align with cultural expectations
• D. Increase compliance among minority clients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because understanding the impact of culture on health and illness enables nurses to provide individualized and culturally sensitive care to older adults from diverse backgrounds. This approach ensures that the cultural, religious, and sexual orientation differences of older adults are acknowledged, respected, and factored into their care. Choice A is not as comprehensive as B, as the goal goes beyond just respecting customary practices. Choice C, while important, is more focused on medical treatments rather than holistic care. Choice D is not the primary reason for understanding culture; the main goal is to provide personalized care that respects individual differences.

4. Following a recent lawsuit that implicated one of their colleagues, the nursing staff at an assisted-living facility are especially aware of the need to safeguard themselves legally. Which of the following measures should the nurses take? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Investigate whether their liability insurance is sufficient
• B. Ensure that work performed by unlicensed care staff under their supervision is adequate
• C. Avoid admitting residents who have living wills or advance directives
• D. Assess the competence of employees under their supervision

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Denying admission to residents with living wills or advance directives is not a legal safeguard measure and may be considered discriminatory. Measures like investigating liability insurance adequacy, ensuring adequate work by unlicensed staff, and assessing employee competence are all valid ways for nurses to protect themselves legally. These measures help in ensuring proper care, reducing risks, and maintaining a high standard of practice.

5. A gerontological nurse is providing care at a local community health center that serves large black American and white American older adult populations. The nurse is working to develop culturally appropriate programs to meet each group's health needs and notes differences in health status between the groups. Which reason would the nurse most likely identify as accounting for the differences between the populations?

• A. High incidence of violent crime and sexually transmitted diseases in the black population
• B. Reliance on family for health care advice and rejection of formal service agencies in the white population
• C. Cultural preference for unconventional medical treatments like herbal remedies in the white population
• D. Lower standard of living and less access to health care services in the black population

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Black older adults historically possess many health problems that have accumulated over a lifetime due to a poor standard of living and limited access to health care services. Option A is incorrect because it presents stereotypes about the black population that are not supported by evidence. Option B is incorrect because it generalizes the behavior of the white population without a strong basis. Option C is incorrect as it also generalizes the white population and does not address the disparities in health status between the two groups.

Similar Questions