Nursing Elites

1. How does a durable power of attorney differ from a power of attorney?

• A. It is granted by the court on behalf of an incompetent individual.
• B. It stays in effect if the individual granting it becomes incompetent.
• C. It goes into effect only after an individual becomes incompetent.
• D. It includes responsibility for managing an individual's financial assets.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A durable power of attorney allows competent individuals to appoint someone else to make decisions on their behalf in the event they become incompetent. Choice A is incorrect because a durable power of attorney is typically granted by the individual themselves, not the court. Choice C is incorrect as a durable power of attorney can be effective both before and after incompetency. Choice D is incorrect because managing financial assets is just one aspect of the authority granted by a power of attorney, not specifically for a durable power of attorney.

2. A nurse has been providing care for a 69-year-old female client who has recently had her right foot amputated as a result of a chronic diabetic foot ulcer. The nurse undertook to perform debridement of the wound despite her lack of relevant education and experience. The client experienced permanent nerve damage as a result of the nurse's misguided efforts. Which category of legal liability is most likely relevant in this case?

• A. Larceny
• B. Assault
• C. Invasion of privacy
• D. Negligence

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this case, the most likely relevant category of legal liability is negligence. Negligence involves the commission of an improper act, as exemplified by the nurse's actions of performing a procedure without the necessary education and experience, leading to permanent nerve damage for the client. Larceny refers to theft, assault involves a deliberate threat to harm, and invasion of privacy pertains to the violation of a person's right to privacy. Therefore, in this scenario, the nurse's actions align more closely with negligence.

3. How might the nursing home's social worker help Ms. O's friends in visiting her?

• A. The social worker should defer to the nursing staff
• B. Help her friends find easier transportation
• C. Tell her to make friends at the dialysis center
• D. Ask other residents' families to bring her friends with them

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ms. O's friends, who are elderly and cannot drive, ride buses to visit her. The social worker can help by finding easier transportation options for them. Not having family around, friends' visits can significantly impact Ms. O's well-being. It may be challenging for the friends to ask for help themselves, so the social worker can reach out to volunteer groups for assistance. Making friends at the dialysis center might not be feasible due to the nature of treatments. Asking other residents' families to bring her friends could burden them further and might deter them from helping. It's important to consider the friends' convenience and emotional support for Ms. O.

4. When in doubt about using restraints on an agitated patient, it is prudent for nurses to:

• A. Restrain the patient for their own safety
• B. Use minor restraints such as a bed side rail or a tray on a wheelchair
• C. Use alternatives such as a bed alarm with increased staff supervision
• D. Avoid using any device or procedure to limit liability

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use alternatives such as a bed alarm with increased staff supervision.' The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) established strict standards on restraint use in long-term care facilities. Restraints can be considered a form of false imprisonment and neglect, leading to potential litigation. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid restraints whenever possible. A bed alarm coupled with enhanced staff supervision provides an effective and non-restrictive approach for managing an agitated patient. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because restraining the patient, using minor restraints, or avoiding all devices without providing an alternative can pose risks to patient safety, violate regulations, or increase liability concerns.

5. 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.

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