Nursing Elites

1. Nurse R works on the geriatric medicine unit of the university hospital and provides care for numerous older adult clients nearing the end of life, many of whom have no-code orders. Which of the following situations is incompatible with the legal requirements for a no-code order?

• A. A client who is mentally competent has declared his wish to have a no-code order despite the availability of treatment options for his condition.
• B. A client has expressed her desire to have a no-code order but her daughter is adamantly opposed to it.
• C. A client clearly tells the nurse her desire to have a no-code order, which the nurse documents at the bedside.
• D. A client has been in a coma and the family has decided to put in place a no-code order.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. No-code orders require a written and signed order by a physician. Therefore, a client expressing the desire for a no-code order to a nurse, without a documented physician's order, is incompatible with legal requirements. Choices A and B are not incompatible as competent clients can make their own decisions, regardless of treatment options or family opposition. Choice D is also not incompatible as family decisions can be made on behalf of incompetent clients.

2. Nurse B arrives for his regular night shift at a care facility for the aged. Due to a family emergency, he has only slept for 3 hours since his last shift. One of Nurse B's aides calls in sick, and there is no one available to replace the aide that night. With no help accessible, Nurse B lifts an obese patient from a wheelchair into a bed alone. Short on time and assistance, Nurse B decides to forgo the patient's evening bath. Legally, what does Nurse B most likely face?

• A. Little risk of liability because he is doing his best under difficult circumstances
• B. Immediate termination for dereliction of duty
• C. Liability if a pattern of negligence is identified in his performance evaluation
• D. A high risk of liability for his actions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, Nurse B faces a high risk of liability for his actions due to several factors. Working with insufficient resources, failing to adhere to policies and procedures, taking shortcuts, and working while highly stressed are all situations that increase the risk of liability. Nurse B's decision to lift an obese patient without assistance and skip the patient's evening bath due to time constraints and lack of help are clear examples of actions that can lead to legal consequences. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the circumstances described in the scenario indicate a higher likelihood of liability due to the factors mentioned above.

3. Mrs. W, aged 82, resides with her son and daughter-in-law who are finding it challenging to provide adequate care while maintaining their careers and home life. During a homecare visit, Mrs. W tells the nurse that, 'My children's generation doesn't know how good they've got it; when I was younger we all had to take care of our parents, and for a lot longer than most people do now.' Which of the following statements most accurately underlies the response that the nurse will provide to Mrs. W?

• A. The increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses means that there are indeed fewer old-old adults than there were in earlier generations.
• B. The increasing acceptance of long-term care means that the caregiving burden of the son and daughter-in-law's generation is lighter than that of Mrs. W's generation.
• C. More older people are living longer and receiving care in the community than when Mrs. W was in her middle-adult years.
• D. The caregiving needs of the old-old are increasing but these needs are more commonly met in institutional settings rather than in the community.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because people are living longer and receiving more of their care in the community than in years past. This reflects the current trend where older individuals tend to receive care in community settings rather than institutional ones. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the reality that more older people today are living longer and being cared for in the community.

4. An older adult client tells the nurse that blockage of qi in one of the body's meridians is causing severe headaches. The health care provider has diagnosed migraines and has prescribed a triptan drug. Which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to implement?

• A. Suggest that the prescribed medicine may stimulate the flow of qi
• B. Explain the vasoconstrictive and serotonin-moderating action of triptan
• C. Instruct the client to take as many doses as needed for relief
• D. Caution the client that the headaches will grow worse if the client fails to take the medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Qi is the life force that circulates through the body in invisible pathways called meridians. In this scenario, the client believes that the blockage of qi is causing severe headaches. While explaining the scientific principles underlying the drug action could be valuable, it's crucial to consider the client's belief system. Therefore, the most appropriate response is to suggest that the prescribed medicine may stimulate the flow of qi, aligning with the client's perspective. Choice B, explaining the vasoconstrictive and serotonin-moderating action of triptan, does not address the client's concerns about qi blockage. Choice C, instructing the client to take as many doses as needed, can lead to potential medication misuse. Choice D, cautioning the client about worsening headaches without medication, may induce fear and hinder effective communication with the client.

5. How does a durable power of attorney differ from a power of attorney?

• A. It is granted by the court on behalf of an incompetent individual.
• B. It stays in effect if the individual granting it becomes incompetent.
• C. It goes into effect only after an individual becomes incompetent.
• D. It includes responsibility for managing an individual's financial assets.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A durable power of attorney allows competent individuals to appoint someone else to make decisions on their behalf in the event they become incompetent. Choice A is incorrect because a durable power of attorney is typically granted by the individual themselves, not the court. Choice C is incorrect as a durable power of attorney can be effective both before and after incompetency. Choice D is incorrect because managing financial assets is just one aspect of the authority granted by a power of attorney, not specifically for a durable power of attorney.

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