Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is unconscious and whose partner is their health care surrogate. The partner wishes to discontinue the client's feeding tube, but another family member tells the nurse that they want the client to continue receiving treatment. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. You should contact the provider about your wishes for your family member.
• B. We'll need to have the nursing supervisor review the client's advance directives.
• C. You should speak with the facility's ethics committee about your concerns.
• D. As the health care surrogate, the client's partner can make this decision.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct response is D because the health care surrogate, as designated by the client, has the legal authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the client when they are unable to do so. This authority includes decisions about treatment continuation or withdrawal. Option A is incorrect as the family member's wishes do not override the legal authority of the health care surrogate. Option B is not the most appropriate action in this situation as the advance directives are already clear by the designation of a health care surrogate. Option C is not necessary at this stage since the health care surrogate can make the decision without involving the ethics committee.

2. Who should document care?

• A. The LPNs should document the care that they provided and the care that was given by unlicensed assistive staff.
• B. The registered nurse must document all of the care that is provided by the nursing assistants because they are accountable for all care.
• C. All staff members should document all of the care that they have provided.
• D. All staff should document all of the care that they have provided but the registered nurse, as the only independent practitioner, signs it.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: All staff members should document the care they provided as part of their accountability and to ensure accurate and comprehensive records. In healthcare settings, it is essential for all staff to document the care they deliver for continuity of care and legal purposes. The registered nurse may sign off on the documentation for oversight purposes, but the responsibility of documenting care extends to all staff involved in patient care. Choices A and B incorrectly limit the responsibility to specific roles, while choice D inaccurately suggests that only the registered nurse signs off on the documentation, overlooking the importance of comprehensive documentation by all staff members involved.

3. Which manifestation should the nurse expect to assess in a patient with fluid volume deficit?

• A. Headache and muscle cramps
• B. Dyspnea and respiratory crackles
• C. Increased pulse rate and blood pressure
• D. Orthostatic hypotension and flat neck veins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension and flat neck veins are classic manifestations of fluid volume deficit. When the body loses fluid, blood volume decreases, leading to decreased venous return to the heart, resulting in orthostatic hypotension and flat neck veins. Choices A, B, and C are more indicative of other conditions such as dehydration, respiratory issues, or compensatory mechanisms in response to hypovolemia, respectively.

4. You are working on a pediatric unit. Which toy or other diversional item or activity is most appropriate for your 18-month-old patient?

• A. Story books
• B. Beach balls
• C. An interactive play session with other children less than 2 years of age
• D. Pickup sticks

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A beach ball is appropriate for an 18-month-old as it is safe and can help with motor skills development. Choice A, storybooks, may not be suitable for this age group due to limited attention span. Choice C involves interaction with other children which may not always be feasible in a healthcare setting. Choice D, pickup sticks, poses a choking hazard and is not suitable for toddlers.

5. You have just learned that another nurse was fired for taking photographs of patients without their permission using a cell phone and posting them on Facebook. This nurse was fired because the nurse had:

• A. Violated the law
• B. Acted in a negligent manner
• C. Not completed the proper documentation
• D. Violated an ethical principle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Violated the law. Taking and sharing patient photographs without consent is a violation of patient privacy laws, hence the nurse was fired for breaking the law. Choice B, acting in a negligent manner, is incorrect as the nurse's actions were intentional and not due to negligence. Choice C, not completing proper documentation, is unrelated to the situation described. Choice D, violating an ethical principle, is not specific enough as the primary reason for the nurse's termination was the legal breach regarding patient privacy.

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