Nursing Elites

1. Although technology has seen many advances, which two ethical principles may be in conflict because of technology?

• A. Beneficence and justice
• B. Beneficence and nonmaleficence
• C. Beneficence and veracity
• D. Beneficence and confidentiality

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Beneficence and nonmaleficence. Beneficence refers to the obligation to do good and act in the best interest of the patient, while nonmaleficence means to 'do no harm.' With advances in technology, there can be situations where the pursuit of benefit (beneficence) may inadvertently cause harm (nonmaleficence), leading to a conflict between these two ethical principles. Choice A, beneficence and justice, is incorrect because justice pertains to fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and treatments, not conflicting directly with beneficence. Choice C, beneficence and veracity, involves the obligation to tell the truth and is not in direct conflict with beneficence. Choice D, beneficence and confidentiality, relate to maintaining privacy and trust, which can complement rather than conflict with beneficence in most cases.

2. The nurse is taking a health history from a 29-year-old pregnant patient at the first prenatal visit. The patient reports no personal history of diabetes but has a parent who is diabetic. Which action will the nurse plan to take first?

• A. Teach the patient about administering regular insulin.
• B. Schedule the patient for a fasting blood glucose level.
• C. Discuss an oral glucose tolerance test for the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy.
• D. Provide teaching about an increased risk for fetal problems with gestational diabetes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Given the family history of diabetes, the initial action the nurse should take is to schedule the patient for a fasting blood glucose level. This will help in assessing if the patient has developed gestational diabetes. Choice A is incorrect because teaching about administering regular insulin is premature without confirming the diagnosis. Choice C is incorrect as an oral glucose tolerance test is typically done earlier in pregnancy. Choice D is incorrect as discussing fetal problems related to gestational diabetes should come after a confirmed diagnosis.

3. An RN comes upon a serious motor vehicle accident that has just occurred and no first responders are on the scene. One car has been flipped upside down, and she can see the driver still in the car. The RN decides to stop and help. She knows she is protected from civil liability as long as she does which of the following?

• A. Acts in an ordinary, reasonable, and prudent professional manner
• B. Assures that information obtained is not communicated to anyone else
• C. Does not make any verbal comments that could lead to economic harm
• D. Fails to meet the established standards of practice

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Acts in an ordinary, reasonable, and prudent professional manner.' In emergency situations, healthcare professionals are protected from civil liability as long as they act in a manner that any other reasonable and prudent professional would under similar circumstances. Choice B is incorrect because communication of relevant information is essential for patient care and handover to other healthcare providers. Choice C is incorrect as it pertains to a different issue of preventing economic harm rather than addressing the immediate medical needs of the injured driver. Choice D is incorrect because failing to meet established standards of practice can lead to liability, especially in emergencies where immediate action is required to save lives.

4. A nurse recognizes which of the following as a primary goal of nursing?

• A. Assist patients to achieve a peaceful death.
• B. Improve personal knowledge and skills to enhance patient outcomes.
• C. Advocate for quality of life rather than quantity of life.
• D. Work to control costs to enhance patients' quality of life.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal of nursing is to promote health, prevent illness, alleviate suffering, and care for the sick. Assisting patients to achieve a peaceful death is an essential aspect of nursing care, ensuring dignity and comfort in the end-of-life phase. While improving personal knowledge and advocating for quality of life are important aspects of nursing, the primary goal remains the well-being and comfort of patients, even in death. Working to control costs, while a consideration in healthcare, is not the primary goal of nursing, which is centered on patient care and well-being.

5. Penalties should be __________ .

• A. Determining the employee's awareness of the policy
• B. Describing the staff nurse's behavior that violated the policy
• C. Progressive
• D. Confrontation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Penalties for policy violations should be progressive. This means that the disciplinary actions should escalate based on the severity or frequency of the violation. For minor infractions, like smoking in an unauthorized area, a progressive approach may include oral warnings, written warnings, suspension, and termination if the behavior persists. In contrast, major violations, such as theft, may warrant immediate and severe consequences like suspension or termination. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the concept of progressively escalating penalties based on the violation's severity or recurrence.

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