Nursing Elites

1. A health care provider informs a nurse that the husband of an unconscious client with terminal cancer will not grant permission for a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The health care provider tells the nurse to perform a 'slow code' and let the client 'rest in peace' if she stops breathing. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Telling the health care provider that the client would probably want to die in peace
• B. Telling the health care provider that if the client stops breathing, the health care provider will be called before any other actions are taken
• C. Telling the health care provider that all of the nurses on the unit agree with this plan
• D. Telling the health care provider that 'slow codes' are not acceptable

Correct answer: Telling the health care provider that 'slow codes' are not acceptable

Rationale: The nurse may not violate a family’s request regarding the client’s treatment plan. A 'slow code' is not acceptable, and the nurse should state this to the health care provider. The definition of a 'slow code' varies among health care facilities and personnel and could be interpreted as not performing resuscitative procedures as quickly as a competent person would. Resuscitative procedures that are performed more slowly than recommended by the American Heart Association are below the standard of care and could therefore serve as the basis for a lawsuit. The other options are inappropriate: Option A is speculative and does not address the issue directly; Option B does not challenge the unethical practice of a 'slow code'; Option C is irrelevant and does not address the ethical concerns raised by the health care provider's request.

2. People living in poverty are most likely to obtain health care from:

• A. their primary care physician (family doctor)
• B. a neighborhood clinic
• C. specialists
• D. Emergency Departments or urgent care centers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: People living in poverty often face barriers to accessing regular healthcare services, leading them to seek care in Emergency Departments or urgent care centers. These facilities are more accessible and do not require appointments or insurance, making them a common choice for individuals with limited resources. Neighborhood clinics, while a good option, may not always be available or affordable for those in poverty. Specialists provide specialized care but usually require a referral from a primary care provider, which individuals in poverty may not have consistent access to. Therefore, Emergency Departments or urgent care centers are the most likely sources of healthcare for people living in poverty.

3. A client is having an abortion in a women’s clinic, and the nurse caring for the client does not think the reasoning is appropriate. The nurse asks, “Are you sure you want to do this? It can’t be undone. Have you read about your other options? Adoption is always a good choice.” The client states she understands all options and is comfortable with her choice. The nurse nods and leaves the room to discuss the procedure with the physician. Which client right did the nurse violate with her actions?

• A. the client’s right to make personal health decisions without interference, as the nurse tried to sway the client’s decision-making and healthcare choice in the direction of not having an abortion
• B. the client’s right to be left alone without unsolicited attention, as the nurse inserted herself in the client’s healthcare scenario and offered uninvited advice
• C. the client’s right to confidentiality, as the nurse is talking to the physician about the client and the abortion
• D. the client’s right to respectful care, as the nurse clearly made it known that she did not approve of the abortion

Correct answer: the client’s right to make personal health decisions without interference, as the nurse tried to sway the client’s decision-making and healthcare choice in the direction of not having an abortion

Rationale: A client has the right to make decisions about their healthcare without interference from healthcare team members. In this scenario, the nurse violated the client's right to make personal health decisions without interference by trying to influence the client's decision-making and healthcare choice in the direction of not having an abortion. It is essential for healthcare providers to respect patients' autonomy and decisions, regardless of personal beliefs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the primary violation in this situation is related to the client's right to make their own healthcare decisions without interference.

4. A nurse in a long-term care center notes that an employee is constantly calling in sick. Which action should the nurse take initially to handle this problem?

• A. Documenting the employee's absences in the personnel file
• B. Discussing the situation with the employee and reminding them of the agency's employment standards
• C. Reporting the employee to administration
• D. Issuing a written warning to the employee

Correct answer: B: Discussing the situation with the employee and reminding them of the agency's employment standards

Rationale: When an employee demonstrates excessive absenteeism, the initial action a nurse should take is to discuss the situation with the employee and remind them of the agency's employment standards. It is important to communicate openly with the employee to understand the reasons for their frequent absences and remind them of the expectations regarding attendance. This approach allows for a constructive dialogue and provides the employee with an opportunity to rectify their behavior. Documenting the employee's absences in the personnel file may be necessary if the issue persists despite the discussion. Reporting the employee to administration should be considered only if the employee fails to improve after the initial discussion. Issuing a written warning should be a subsequent step if the employee continues to violate the attendance policies even after reminders and discussions.

5. Nurse Ann tells nurse Christine that one of her client’s status is declining but that she will do her best to juggle her other two clients. Which action is most appropriate?

• A. Nurse Christine should offer to give medications to Nurse Ann’s other two clients.
• B. Nurse Christine should inform their supervisor that assignments may need to be changed.
• C. Nurse Christine should ask other nurses who might be able to help Nurse Ann.
• D. Nurse Ann should try not to burden other nurses and continue caring for her assigned clients.

Correct answer: Nurse Christine should inform their supervisor that assignments may need to be changed.

Rationale: In this situation, when Nurse Ann informs Nurse Christine that a client's status is declining and she needs to attend to them, the most appropriate action for Nurse Christine is to inform their supervisor that assignments may need to be changed. By informing the supervisor, necessary adjustments can be made to ensure proper care for all clients. Offering to give medications to Nurse Ann’s other two clients (choice A) may not address the underlying issue of a declining client and could lead to a delay in care. Asking other nurses for help (choice C) might not be the most efficient solution, as the supervisor is responsible for reassigning tasks. Nurse Ann continuing to care for all her assigned clients (choice D) may compromise the quality of care provided to the declining client and may spread her too thin, impacting all clients negatively.

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