Nursing Elites

1. Mr. K has dementia. Having a good deal of money, he has a private room at Haven Nursing Home. He is a retired industrialist whose children and current wife are already squabbling bitterly over his estate. During visits, they often get into shouting matches that disturb the other residents and Mr. K himself. How should an administrator handle this family?

• A. Emphasize that they must behave civilly when visiting
• B. Have them set up separate visiting schedules
• C. Ask them to stay away
• D. Close Mr. K's door when they visit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: There is little an administrator can do about this dysfunctional family's behavior, but Mr. K should not be upset by it, and the other residents deserve to be protected from shouting. By setting up separate visiting schedules, the family can continue to provide needed support for their husband and father. If they accidentally visit at the same time, the door can be kept closed until they leave.

2. 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.

3. For which of the following is informed consent required?

• A. Ordering a liquid diet for a post-surgical patient
• B. Listening to a patient reveal his or her private, personal secrets
• C. Giving a patient saline solution to relieve dry nasal passages
• D. Asking a patient to complete a questionnaire for a research study on hospital practices

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Informed consent is required when asking a patient to participate in a research study, as mentioned in choice D. Choices A, B, and C involve routine care measures that do not require specific informed consent. Ordering a liquid diet, providing saline solution for dry nasal passages, or listening to a patient's personal secrets are part of standard care and do not typically necessitate formal consent beyond general consent for treatment.

4. 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.

5. To receive government funding, a county hospital must provide demographic statistics on its client population. When selecting the box labeled Hispanic on the forms, what characteristic of the client population would a worker consider?

• A. immigrant workers who entered the United States and their descendants
• B. immigrants who have a Spanish accent
• C. native Spanish-speaking people living in the United States
• D. persons with brown skin and dark hair

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the term 'Hispanic' includes Spanish-speaking individuals from various countries like Spain, Cuba, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. It is essential to understand that Hispanic does not solely refer to individuals with brown skin, dark hair, or those with a Spanish accent. Therefore, choices A, B, and D do not accurately represent the characteristic of the client population that would be classified as Hispanic.

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