Nursing Elites

1. In a community hospital, a nurse is employed as a staff nurse and is supervised by a nurse manager. The nurse understands that in this position, the term authority most appropriately refers to which description?

• A. Accepting responsibility for the actions of others
• B. The official power to ensure that an organizational decision is enforced
• C. Bearing the legal responsibility for others' performance of tasks
• D. Taking responsibility for what staff members do

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term authority refers to the official power of an individual to approve or command an action or to ensure that a decision is enforced. In the context of the nurse's position supervised by a nurse manager, having authority means having the official power to ensure that organizational decisions are carried out. Choice A, accepting responsibility for the actions of others, is more related to accountability rather than authority. Choice C, bearing the legal responsibility for others' performance of tasks, is more about legal liability rather than authority. Choice D, taking responsibility for what staff members do, is similar to choice A and is more about accountability rather than having the official power to enforce decisions. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it directly relates to the concept of authority in the context described.

2. Which of the following provides the framework for confidentiality and the client's right to privacy?

• A. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
• B. CDC Surveillance Programs
• C. American Nurses Association Code of Ethics
• D. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA is the federal statute that outlines client confidentiality and the client's right to privacy. It establishes national standards to protect individuals' medical records and personal health information. The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics emphasizes principles of nursing ethics but does not serve as a legal framework for confidentiality and privacy. CDC Surveillance Programs focus on disease surveillance and control at a public health level and are not directly related to individual client privacy. The durable power of attorney for health care pertains to granting legal decision-making authority to another individual in healthcare matters, rather than addressing confidentiality and privacy rights.

3. A nurse is reading the nurse practice act for the state in which she is employed. The nurse uses the information in this act for which purpose?

• A. To understand hospital and long-term care facility policies
• B. To know the scope of practice for nurses
• C. To identify health care policies in her state
• D. To be aware of the role of the licensed nurse

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'To be aware of the role of the licensed nurse.' Nurse practice acts outline the scope of practice for nurses, defining what constitutes nursing practice and the role of licensed nurses. Choice A is incorrect because hospital and long-term care facility policies are institution-specific and not typically covered in the nurse practice act. Choice B is incorrect as the scope of practice for nurses is a part of the nurse practice act, but it's not the sole purpose for a nurse to refer to it. Choice C is incorrect as health care policies in a state are governed by other legislative acts, not the nurse practice act.

4. A nurse is planning the assignments for the shift. Which task should the nurse assign to the nursing assistant?

• A. Monitoring the vital signs for a client who needs a blood transfusion
• B. Performing hygiene for a client with diarrhea on whom contact precautions have been imposed
• C. Performing a dressing change on a client with a draining abdominal wound that requires frequent dressing changes
• D. Ambulating a client with angina who needs to be ambulated for the first time since admission

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assigning tasks, a nurse should consider the job description of the nursing assistant, their clinical competence, and state law. Monitoring vital signs for a client needing a blood transfusion, performing a dressing change on a client with a draining wound, and ambulating a client with angina are tasks that require a licensed nurse's skill. On the other hand, providing hygiene care for a client with diarrhea under contact precautions is a task suitable for a nursing assistant. Nursing assistants are trained to provide hygiene care effectively and manage clients under specific precautions, making this task appropriate for them.

5. A nurse enters a client's room to administer a medication that has been prescribed by the health care provider. The client asks the nurse about the medication. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. 'I know that it's for fluid buildup, and I think you've taken it before.''
• B. 'It's called furosemide (Lasix), and it will promote urination and rid your body of the excess fluid. It can cause an alteration in electrolyte levels, so we'll need to increase the potassium in your diet.''
• C. 'It's to help get rid of the swelling in your feet.''
• D. ''You need to discuss this medication with your health care provider.''

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A client has the right to be informed of the medication name, purpose, action, and potential undesirable effects of a prescribed medication. The nurse should provide adequate information to the client. Choice B is the correct answer as it includes the medication name, its purpose (promoting urination and eliminating excess fluid), and a potential side effect (alteration in electrolyte levels) with a plan for managing it (increasing potassium in the diet). This response demonstrates thorough and complete information. Choice A provides some information but lacks details on potential side effects and dietary adjustments. Choice C is vague and does not provide specific details about the medication. Choice D deflects the client's question and does not fulfill the client's right to information.

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