a woman has died as a result of a motor vehicle accident she is listed as an organ donor and her family is considering whether to comply with her wish

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Practice Questions With Rationale

1. A woman has died as a result of a motor vehicle accident. She is listed as an organ donor, and her family is considering whether to comply with her wishes. Which of the following is true?

A. The woman would have had to list herself as an organ donor and notify her family before her death that she has considered donating her organs.
B. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act requires the physician caring for the patient to inform the family who receives the donor organs.
C. Physicians can choose to go against the deceased's wishes if the family decides that organ donation is not an acceptable choice.
D. Physicians have the legal responsibility to inform patients of the risks involved in donating organs.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cases where a deceased person is listed as an organ donor, the family may have the final say on whether to proceed with organ donation, even if the individual had expressed their wish to donate. Physicians may prioritize the emotional well-being of the family over the wishes of the deceased, especially if organ donation could cause additional distress or trauma to the grieving family members. Therefore, it is possible for physicians to respect the family's decision not to proceed with organ donation, even if the deceased had previously expressed the desire to donate. This decision-making process underscores the importance of considering and respecting the perspectives and emotions of both the deceased individual and their surviving family members in organ donation scenarios.

2. A client asks a nurse, 'Do you think I should move back home after this procedure?' and the nurse responds by saying, 'Do you think you should move back home?' What type of therapeutic communication is the nurse representing?

A. Observation
B. Reflection
C. Summarizing
D. Validating

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse is demonstrating the therapeutic communication technique of reflection. In this scenario, the nurse is redirecting the question back to the client, encouraging them to explore their thoughts and feelings about the situation. Reflection involves restating a statement or question in a way that prompts the client to consider their own answers, fostering self-awareness and insight. Observation involves stating facts, summarizing involves condensing information, and validating involves confirming the client's feelings or experiences, none of which are demonstrated in this interaction.

3. How do technological advances relate to HIPAA?

A. Technology can expose us to HIPAA violations.
B. Computers facilitate information sharing.
C. Computer screens should be visible only to authorized personnel.
D. Technology enhances HIPAA confidentiality.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Technology can expose us to HIPAA violations. For instance, leaving a computer screen unattended and visible to unauthorized individuals can result in breaches of patient confidentiality, leading to HIPAA violations. While computers can indeed aid in sharing information, this is not directly related to HIPAA compliance. Ensuring that computer screens are only visible to authorized personnel is a good practice, but it does not address the broader risks and challenges posed by technological advancements in maintaining HIPAA compliance. Therefore, the correct answer is that technology can expose us to HIPAA violations.

4. Which of the following is an example of a living will?

A. A client's son has been appointed to make his healthcare decisions if he becomes incapacitated
B. A client has designated which of his children will receive his home and property before he dies
C. A client has instructions that he does not want to be resuscitated through chest compressions if his heart stops beating
D. A client designates what type of burial or cremation services he would want after his death

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A living will is a type of advanced directive that a client develops to stipulate his preferences for healthcare in the event that he is unable to do so. This includes specific instructions about medical treatments in certain situations. Choice C is the correct answer as it reflects a scenario where the client has clearly outlined their preference regarding resuscitation through chest compressions. Choices A, B, and D do not pertain to a living will. Choice A involves a healthcare proxy or agent, choice B involves a will or estate planning, and choice D involves funeral or burial arrangements, which are not part of a living will.

5. Choose the BEST answer. To ensure adequate protection for legal issues, offices should maintain patients' charts for:

A. 10 years
B. Forever
C. Until the age of majority
D. 2 years after the patient was last seen in the office

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Forever.' Maintaining patients' charts indefinitely ensures comprehensive legal protection by having all relevant information available in case of litigation or if patient history needs to be referenced in the future. Choice A, '10 years,' may not be sufficient to cover the entire period within which legal issues may arise. Choice C, 'Until the age of majority,' is not ideal as legal matters may extend beyond this age limit. Choice D, '2 years after the patient was last seen in the office,' is inadequate as legal actions can occur beyond this timeframe, necessitating the need for long-term retention of patient charts.