Nursing Elites

1. If a patient asks the nurse for her opinion about a particular physician and the nurse replies that the physician is incompetent, the nurse could be held liable for:

• A. Slander
• B. Libel
• C. Assault
• D. Respondent superior

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, if the nurse makes a false verbal statement about the physician being incompetent, it is considered slander. Slander is the act of making defamatory spoken statements or gestures. Libel, on the other hand, refers to defamatory statements that are written or published. Assault involves the threat of physical harm, and respondent superior is a legal doctrine holding an employer responsible for the actions of an employee in the course of employment.

2. While caring for a client in a clinic, a healthcare professional learns that the client woke up not recognizing their partner, surroundings, has chills, and chest pain worsening upon inspiration. What should be the healthcare professional's priority action?

• A. Obtain baseline vital signs and oxygen saturation.
• B. Obtain a sputum culture.
• C. Obtain a complete history from the client.
• D. Provide a pneumococcal vaccine.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority action for the healthcare professional is to obtain the client's baseline vital signs and oxygen saturation. This will provide essential information on the client's current physiological status and help guide further assessment and intervention. Assessing the vital signs and oxygen saturation can help identify any immediate concerns like hypoxia or sepsis, which require prompt attention. While obtaining a complete history and considering a pneumococcal vaccine may be important in the overall care of the client, assessing the vital signs and oxygen saturation takes precedence to address the client's immediate physiological needs.

3. A client has a new prescription for heparin therapy. Which of the following statements by the client should indicate an immediate concern for the nurse?

• A. ''I am allergic to morphine.''
• B. ''I take antacids several times a day.''
• C. ''I had a blood clot in my leg several years ago.''
• D. ''It hurts to take a deep breath.''

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the statement 'I take antacids several times a day.' Antacids can alter the absorption of heparin, potentially affecting its effectiveness and increasing the risk of clot formation. This is a significant concern as it can impact the therapeutic outcome of heparin therapy. The other statements are not directly related to potential complications or interactions with heparin therapy.

4. A nurse is orienting a newly licensed nurse on the purpose of administering vecuronium to a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding of the teaching?

• A. This medication is given to treat infection.
• B. This medication is given to facilitate ventilation.
• C. This medication is given to decrease inflammation.
• D. This medication is given to reduce anxiety.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vecuronium is a neuromuscular blocking agent that is used to facilitate ventilation by inducing muscle paralysis, which can help improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS. It does not treat infection, decrease inflammation, or reduce anxiety. Understanding the purpose of vecuronium administration is crucial for providing safe and effective care to patients with respiratory distress.

5. While reviewing the laboratory results of a group of clients, which infection should the nurse in a provider's office report?

• A. Herpes simplex
• B. Human papillomavirus
• C. Candidiasis
• D. Chlamydia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that requires notification and intervention due to its public health implications and potential complications if left untreated. Reporting Chlamydia is crucial to initiate appropriate treatment, prevent further spread of the infection, and provide necessary counseling to affected individuals. While other infections like herpes simplex, human papillomavirus, and candidiasis are also significant, Chlamydia is particularly important to report in this context.

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