Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. In which of the following situations does the nurse demonstrate the ethical principle of veracity?

• A. A client unaware of her recent cancer diagnosis asks the nurse if she has cancer, and the nurse responds affirmatively.
• B. The nurse avoids discussing the client's diagnosis to prevent emotional distress.
• C. The nurse provides a vague answer about the client's condition.
• D. The nurse promises to provide information only if it is requested by the client.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Veracity involves telling the truth, a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare. In this scenario, the nurse demonstrates veracity by responding honestly when the client directly asks about her cancer diagnosis. Choice B is incorrect as avoiding discussing the diagnosis to prevent emotional distress does not align with veracity and transparency. Choice C is incorrect as providing a vague answer does not uphold the principle of truthfulness. Choice D is incorrect because promising to provide information only upon client request does not address the immediate question about the cancer diagnosis and lacks transparency.

2. Three days following surgery, a male client observes his colostomy for the first time. He becomes quite upset and tells the LPN that it is much bigger than he expected. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. Reassure the client that he will become accustomed to the stoma's appearance in time.
• B. Instruct the client that the stoma will become smaller when the initial swelling diminishes.
• C. Offer to contact a member of the local ostomy support group to help him with his concerns.
• D. Encourage the client to handle the stoma equipment to gain confidence with the procedure.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is to instruct the client that the stoma will become smaller when the initial swelling diminishes. This explanation helps reassure the client about the temporary appearance of the stoma. Choice A is incorrect because simply reassuring the client that he will become accustomed to the stoma's appearance does not address the immediate concern about the stoma size. Choice C is incorrect because offering to contact a support group does not directly address the client's current distress about the stoma size. Choice D is incorrect because encouraging the client to handle stoma equipment does not directly address the client's concern about the stoma size and may not be appropriate at this time.

3. The nurse is caring for a patient who needs to be placed in the prone position. Which action will the nurse take?

• A. Place a pillow under the patient's lower legs.
• B. Turn the head toward one side with a large, soft pillow.
• C. Position legs flat against the bed.
• D. Raise the head of the bed to 45 degrees.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Placing a pillow under the patient's lower legs when in the prone position is essential to allow dorsiflexion of the ankles and some knee flexion, which promote relaxation. This position also helps in maintaining proper alignment of the spine. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because turning the head, positioning legs flat against the bed, and raising the head of the bed to 45 degrees are not appropriate actions for a patient in the prone position. Turning the head to one side with a large, soft pillow is commonly done for patients in the supine position to maintain proper alignment and airway patency. Positioning legs flat against the bed is more suitable for a patient in a supine or semi-fowler's position. Raising the head of the bed to 45 degrees is typically done for patients who need semi-fowler's positioning for respiratory support or to prevent aspiration.

4. The healthcare provider is reviewing the signed operative consent with a client who is admitted for the removal of a lipoma on the left leg. The client states that the permit should include...

• A. Notify the surgeon of the client’s concern
• B. Have the client sign a new surgical permit
• C. Add the client’s concern to the permit
• D. Inform the surgeon about the client’s concern

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the best course of action is to inform the surgeon about the client's concern. This action ensures that the surgeon is aware of the client's specific request or concern related to the procedure. By directly involving the surgeon, the client's preferences or needs can be addressed effectively, potentially avoiding any misunderstanding or dissatisfaction. Choice A has been corrected to 'Notify the surgeon of the client’s concern' as the operating room staff may not have the authority to make changes to the permit. Having the client sign a new surgical permit (Choice B) may not be necessary if the concern can be addressed by informing the surgeon, making Choice B less efficient. Adding the client’s concern to the permit (Choice C) without consulting the surgeon may not align with the standard procedure and could lead to confusion or legal issues if the surgeon is not aware of the client’s specific requests.

5. A client is being discharged home with oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client and family?

• A. Wear cotton clothing to avoid static electricity.
• B. Avoid using any electrical appliances.
• C. Keep the oxygen tank away from heat sources.
• D. Use only a specific type of nasal cannula.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Wear cotton clothing to avoid static electricity. When using oxygen therapy, static electricity can pose a hazard as it increases the risk of fire. Cotton clothing helps reduce static electricity buildup. Choice B, avoiding electrical appliances, is overly restrictive and not entirely necessary. Choice C, keeping the oxygen tank away from heat sources, is important to prevent fire hazards but is not directly related to the nasal cannula. Choice D, using only a specific type of nasal cannula, is not a universal guideline and limits flexibility in care.

Similar Questions