Nursing Elites

1. Under what circumstances is the legal right to confidentiality of client information waived?

• A. When a court system subpoenas information.
• B. When a family member requests health care information of a client.
• C. When a living will takes effect.
• D. When the client is declared incompetent by the legal system.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The legal right to confidentiality of client information is waived when a court system subpoenas information. This occurs when information is required for legal proceedings to occur, such as through summonses, court orders, or litigation information necessary for the court. Subpoenas are legal orders that compel the disclosure of information. The other choices do not inherently waive the legal right to confidentiality. A family member's request for health care information would typically require the client's consent or fall under specific legal exceptions. A living will dictates end-of-life care preferences but does not necessarily waive confidentiality. Lastly, the declaration of incompetence may impact decision-making capacity but does not automatically waive confidentiality.

2. 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.

3. When observing a dressing change by a graduate nurse on a Stage III pressure ulcer to the greater trochanter by the staff nurse, a need for further teaching is indicated after the following observation by the nurse:

• A. The new graduate nurse irrigates the pressure ulcer with 50cc of NS.
• B. The new graduate irrigates the pressure ulcer with half-strength hydrogen peroxide.
• C. The new graduate packs the wound with sterile kerlix soaked in NS.
• D. The new graduate applies a Duoderm dressing over the wound after cleansing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is that the new graduate irrigates the pressure ulcer with half-strength hydrogen peroxide. Pressure ulcers should not be cleaned with substances that are cytotoxic, such as hydrogen peroxide or betadine. This can cause further damage to the wound and delay the healing process. Choice A is incorrect because irrigating the pressure ulcer with normal saline is an appropriate practice. Choice C is incorrect because packing the wound with sterile kerlix soaked in normal saline is also an appropriate step. Choice D is incorrect because applying a Duoderm dressing after cleansing is a standard procedure in wound care.

4. What is the most likely reason for a hospitalized adult client who routinely works from midnight until 8 a.m. to have a temperature of 99.1�F at 4 a.m.?

• A. delta sleep
• B. slow brain waves
• C. pneumonia
• D. circadian rhythm

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'circadian rhythm.' Circadian rhythms are biological cycles that last about 24 hours. The sleep-wake cycle is closely tied to circadian rhythms, affecting body temperature. Normally, core body temperature drops during sleep, reaching its 24-hour low around 4 a.m. In this case, the client's temperature of 99.1�F at 4 a.m. is likely due to the disruption of their circadian rhythm caused by working from midnight until 8 a.m. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because delta sleep, slow brain waves, and pneumonia do not directly explain the temperature fluctuation based on circadian rhythm.

5. A nurse in charge of a long-term care facility who is working with a nursing assistant on the night shift prepares to take a break. To ensure client safety during the break, which actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.

• A. Asking the nursing assistant to contact the health care provider during the nurse’s break if a client’s pain medication is not effective
• B. Informing the nursing assistant that she is leaving the nursing unit to get a cup of coffee from a vending machine in the lobby
• C. Asking the nursing assistant to administer a medication placed at the client's bedside if the client awakens
• D. Conducting client rounds before taking the break

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse is responsible for ensuring client safety at all times and must not leave the nursing unit for any reason during the shift. The nurse’s break should be taken in a designated area located on the nursing unit. Before taking the break, the nurse should check all clients to ensure that they are safe and comfortable and that their needs have been met. Conducting client rounds before taking the break is crucial to assess the clients' conditions and address any immediate needs, ensuring their safety. Asking the nursing assistant to contact the health care provider during the nurse’s break is not appropriate as the nurse should handle this responsibility. Leaving the nursing unit to get coffee is not recommended as the nurse should stay within the unit to respond promptly to any client needs. Asking the nursing assistant to administer medication or make clinical decisions is outside the scope of their practice and should not be delegated.

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