Nursing Elites

1. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is dividing care for four clients. The nurse should identify which of the following situations as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A client who has a new colostomy refuses to take instructions from the ostomy therapist because she 'doesn't like him.'
• B. A surgeon who removed the wrong kidney during a surgical procedure refuses to take responsibility for her actions.
• C. The family of a client who has a terminal illness asks the provider not to tell the client the diagnosis.
• D. A client who has Crohn's disease reports that his prescription drug plan will not pay for his medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because an ethical dilemma involves conflicting moral principles. In this scenario, the family's request not to disclose the terminal diagnosis to the client raises the moral question of truth-telling and patient autonomy. Choice A does not present an ethical dilemma but rather a challenge in client compliance. Choice B involves professional responsibility and accountability, not an ethical dilemma. Choice D relates to financial concerns and insurance coverage, which do not constitute an ethical dilemma but rather a financial issue.

2. A client with chronic kidney disease is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen). Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of this medication?

• A. Serum creatinine
• B. Hemoglobin
• C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• D. Platelet count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemoglobin. Epoetin alfa (Epogen) is a medication commonly used in clients with chronic kidney disease to stimulate red blood cell production. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is crucial to assess the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy. Hemoglobin levels reflect the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and indicate if the medication is successfully treating anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. Option A, serum creatinine, is a marker of kidney function, not the primary indicator of epoetin alfa effectiveness. Option C, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), is a measure of kidney function and hydration status. Option D, platelet count, assesses clotting ability and is unrelated to monitoring the effectiveness of epoetin alfa in treating anemia in chronic kidney disease.

3. The client has a nasogastric (NG) tube in place for decompression. What action should the LPN/LVN take to maintain patency of the NG tube?

• A. Irrigate the tube with normal saline every shift.
• B. Check the tube placement by auscultation.
• C. Secure the tube to the client's gown.
• D. Flush the tube with 5 mL of sterile water before and after medication administration.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To maintain patency of the NG tube, it is essential to irrigate the tube with normal saline every shift. This action helps prevent clogging and ensures that the tube remains clear for effective decompression. Checking tube placement by auscultation (Choice B) is important for verifying correct placement but does not directly impact patency. Securing the tube to the client's gown (Choice C) is crucial for safety and comfort but is not directly related to maintaining patency. Flushing the tube with sterile water before and after medication administration (Choice D) is not the recommended method for maintaining patency of an NG tube, as normal saline is the appropriate solution for this purpose.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus is learning to self-administer insulin. Which action by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

• A. The client rotates injection sites on the abdomen.
• B. The client draws up the insulin dose after warming the vial to room temperature.
• C. The client pinches the skin before injecting the insulin.
• D. The client injects the insulin at a 90-degree angle.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Drawing up insulin after warming the vial to room temperature indicates a need for further teaching, as insulin should be at room temperature for administration. Choice A is correct as rotating injection sites helps prevent lipodystrophy. Choice C is correct as pinching the skin helps ensure proper subcutaneous injection. Choice D is correct as injecting insulin at a 90-degree angle is the recommended technique for subcutaneous injections.

5. A client who has a terminal illness asks several questions about the nurse's religious beliefs related to death and dying. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Encourage the client to express their thoughts about death and dying
• B. Share the nurse's personal beliefs about death and dying
• C. Redirect the client to a chaplain or spiritual advisor
• D. Provide a brief overview of common religious beliefs about death and dying

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the client to express their thoughts allows them to explore their own feelings and concerns about death. This approach empowers the client to reflect on their beliefs and values without the influence of the nurse's personal beliefs (choice B), which should remain separate in a professional setting. Redirecting the client to a chaplain or spiritual advisor (choice C) may be appropriate if the client seeks specific spiritual guidance. Providing a brief overview of common religious beliefs (choice D) may not address the client's individual questions and concerns.

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