Nursing Elites

1. When ethical dilemmas arise, what should newly licensed nurses expect and identify as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit demonstrates signs of chemical impairment.
• B. A nurse overhears another nurse telling an older adult client that if he doesn’t stay in bed, she will have to apply restraints.
• C. A family has conflicting feelings about the initiation of enteral tube feedings for their father, who is terminally ill.
• D. A client who is terminally ill hesitates to name their partner on their durable power of attorney form.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An ethical dilemma involves a situation where there are conflicting values or principles that make it difficult to make a clear decision. In the given scenarios, option C best represents an ethical dilemma as the family has conflicting feelings about initiating enteral tube feedings for their terminally ill father. This situation presents a clash between different values and beliefs, making it challenging to reach a resolution. Options A, B, and D do not illustrate conflicting values or principles that characterize an ethical dilemma. Option A describes a nurse's impairment, which is a concern but not a direct ethical dilemma. Option B depicts a potential breach of client autonomy and restraint use, which is an ethical issue but not a true ethical dilemma. Option D involves a client's personal decision regarding a durable power of attorney form, which, although important, does not present conflicting values or principles that define an ethical dilemma.

2. When caring for a client with diarrhea due to shigellosis, what precautions should the nurse implement?

• A. Wear a gown when caring for the client.
• B. Wear gloves only.
• C. Use standard precautions only.
• D. Wear a mask and face shield.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to wear a gown when caring for the client. Shigellosis is highly contagious, and contact precautions are essential to prevent the spread of infection. Wearing gloves alone may not provide adequate protection as the client's diarrhea can contain infectious pathogens that can easily spread. Standard precautions include hand hygiene, but specific precautions for shigellosis require wearing a gown to protect against contact with infectious material. Wearing a mask and face shield are not necessary for shigellosis, as the primary mode of transmission is through the fecal-oral route, and these precautions are not indicated for this type of transmission.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer dextrose 5% in water (D5W) 1,000-mL IV to infuse over 10 hr. How many mL/hr should the IV infusion pump be set to deliver? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Do not use a trailing zero.)

• A. 100 mL/hr
• B. 150 mL/hr
• C. 75 mL/hr
• D. 50 mL/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To infuse 1,000 mL over 10 hr, the IV pump should be set to deliver 100 mL/hr. This calculation is derived by dividing the total volume (1,000 mL) by the total time in hours (10 hr), resulting in the infusion rate of 100 mL/hr. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the correct calculation for this scenario.

4. A child weighing 20 kg has a new prescription for cefoxitin at 80 mg/kg/day administered intravenously every 6 hours. How much cefoxitin should be administered with each dose?

• A. 400 mg
• B. 200 mg
• C. 1600 mg
• D. 100 mg

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To determine the amount of cefoxitin to be administered with each dose, first, calculate the total daily dose by multiplying the child's weight (20 kg) by the prescribed dose (80 mg/kg/day): 80 mg/kg/day × 20 kg = 1600 mg/day. Since the medication is administered every 6 hours (4 doses/day), divide the total daily dose by the number of doses: 1600 mg / 4 = 400 mg. Therefore, each dose should be 400 mg. Choice B (200 mg) is incorrect because it is half the calculated dose. Choice C (1600 mg) is incorrect as it represents the total daily dose, not the dose per administration. Choice D (100 mg) is incorrect as it is a quarter of the calculated dose.

5. The debilitated patient is resisting attempts by the nurse to provide oral hygiene. Which action will the nurse take next?

• A. Insert an oral airway.
• B. Place the patient in a flat, supine position.
• C. Use undiluted hydrogen peroxide as a cleaner.
• D. Quickly proceed without talking to the patient.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a debilitated patient resists oral hygiene, the nurse should prioritize safety. Inserting an oral airway helps keep the mouth open, ensuring adequate access for oral care procedures while preventing any accidental biting or closure of the airway. Placing the patient in a flat, supine position may not address the resistance issue and can lead to aspiration risk. Using undiluted hydrogen peroxide is not recommended due to its potential harmful effects on oral tissues. Proceeding quickly without communication can escalate the situation and compromise patient-centered care.

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