Nursing Elites

1. During a home visit, a nurse notes that an 80-year-old female patient's blood pressure is 166/99 despite the recent introduction of a diuretic to her medication regimen. The patient admits that her son refuses to give her the diuretic because it has precipitated incontinence episodes and states, 'He gets so furious when I soil myself.' What action should the nurse prioritize in this potential case of elder abuse?

• A. Improving or salvaging the family dynamics
• B. Teaching the son why his actions are inappropriate
• C. Initiating legal action
• D. Taking measures to protect the patient's safety

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this potential case of elder abuse, the nurse's priority should be taking measures to protect the patient's safety. The patient's health and well-being are at risk due to the son's refusal to administer the diuretic, which can lead to serious health complications. While improving family dynamics (choice A), educating the son (choice B), and legal actions (choice C) may be necessary in the long run, the immediate concern is ensuring the patient's safety and well-being.

2. How can the nurse best respond to this situation?

• A. The nurse should accept that the relationship plays a positive role for the man.
• B. The nurse should organize a family meeting that includes both the children and the man's partner in an effort to facilitate reconciliation.
• C. The nurse should document the children's concerns and investigate the truth of their claims.
• D. The nurse should ask the partner to demonstrate that she is not a negative influence on the resident.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should respect the father's perspective and accept that the relationship with his common-law partner may indeed be positive and beneficial for him. The nurse's role is to support the patient's autonomy and decisions, especially when there are no legal concerns or signs of abuse. Organizing a family meeting (Choice B) might be premature without first acknowledging the father's viewpoint. Documenting concerns and investigating (Choice C) may create unnecessary conflict and breach the father's trust. Asking the partner to prove herself (Choice D) could strain the relationship further and is not within the nurse's role unless there are clear signs of harm or abuse.

3. A nurse is determining ways to address ethnic diversity among clients being provided care. Which action would be the most direct way for the nurse to do this?

• A. Explain how cultural backgrounds influence health beliefs and practices.
• B. Provide culturally sensitive care that respects clients' traditions.
• C. Listen to the life stories of clients to understand their cultural influences.
• D. Participate in cultural competency training and workshops.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Listening to the life stories of clients is an effective way for nurses to understand the cultural influences that shape their beliefs and practices. By actively listening, nurses can gain insight into the clients' backgrounds, values, and preferences, allowing them to provide more personalized and culturally sensitive care. Choices A, B, and D are not as direct as listening to the life stories of clients. While explaining how cultural backgrounds influence health beliefs and practices is important, directly listening to clients' life stories provides a deeper understanding of their individual cultural influences.

4. Nurse M obtains a signature on an informed consent form from Mr. Y, who is later shown to have a fluctuating level of mental competency. In this case, what is Nurse M's most likely legal position?

• A. Freedom from liability because Mr. Y signed the form
• B. Possibly liable for a violation of Mr. Y's rights
• C. Liable unless a malpractice insurance policy is in effect
• D. Not liable because no family member had a durable power of attorney

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An informed consent may be considered invalid if the patient does not fully understand what he or she is signing. Patients with a fluctuating level of mental function are incapable of granting legally sound consent. Nurse M could be held liable for a violation of Mr. Y's rights as he did not have the capacity to provide informed consent. The presence of an insurance policy and the legal status of family members are irrelevant in this context and do not absolve Nurse M of potential liability.

5. An 81-year-old female client was diagnosed one year ago with Alzheimer's disease following a noticeable increase in confusion. She now possesses a durable power of attorney. Which of the following statements most accurately conveys an aspect of this legal arrangement?

• A. The parameters of the arrangement must be revisited if the client's condition declines.
• B. The arrangement was most likely initiated by court order.
• C. The client appointed someone to take care of her affairs in the event that she becomes incompetent.
• D. The family has control of logistical arrangements for the client but must gain court permission around financial affairs.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Usually, a power of attorney becomes invalid if the individual granting it becomes incompetent, except in the case of a durable power of attorney. A durable power of attorney allows competent individuals to appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf in the event that they become incompetent. This legal arrangement is recommended for individuals with conditions like Alzheimer's disease where competency decline can be anticipated. It is not initiated by the court, unlike guardianship. A durable power of attorney encompasses both logistical and financial affairs, providing authority to the appointed person to act on behalf of the individual should they become incapacitated. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the purpose and nature of a durable power of attorney in the context of planning for incompetency due to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

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