Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client awaiting test results on a biopsy. The client is unconscious, and the physician informs the client's spouse that the biopsy came back positive for cancer. The spouse asks the nurse if they will not share this news with the client because they would prefer the client be unaware of the diagnosis. Which of the following responses is most appropriate?

• A. "I will have a psychiatrist confirm whether the news will cause negative effects, and if so, I will comply with your request."?
• B. "For ethical reasons, I am unable to withhold this information from the client."?
• C. "You do not have the option to sign paperwork stating you are accepting the risk of not sharing this with the client."?
• D. "You must have a durable power of attorney for healthcare advanced directive in place before I can consider this request."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is, "For ethical reasons, I am unable to withhold this information from the client."? The ethical principle of veracity requires that the nurse is truthful with the client and does not withhold information even if it is requested by the family. Choice A is incorrect because seeking a psychiatrist's confirmation is not necessary to uphold the ethical principle of truth-telling. Choice C is incorrect as implying that signing paperwork overrides the nurse's ethical obligation to be honest with the client is inappropriate. Choice D is also incorrect as a durable power of attorney is not relevant in this situation where the spouse is asking the nurse to withhold information.

2. A client scheduled for a left mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection is wearing a wedding band on her left ring finger. The nurse should take which action?

• A. Tape the wedding band in place
• B. Ask the client to sign a release freeing the hospital of responsibility if the wedding band is lost during surgery
• C. Explain to the client why the wedding band must be removed
• D. Ask the client whether she would like to remove the wedding band or wear it to surgery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In most situations, a wedding band may be taped in place and worn during a surgical procedure. However, if there is a possibility that the client will experience swelling of the hand or fingers, the wedding band should be removed. On admission to a healthcare facility, the client is usually asked to sign a form that releases the agency from responsibility if a client's valuables are lost. After a mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, the client is at risk for lymphedema, which can result in swelling of the arm and hand on the affected side. Therefore, the appropriate nursing action is to ask the client to remove the wedding band and explain why. This ensures the client's safety and prevents potential complications. Option A is incorrect because taping the wedding band may not be sufficient if swelling occurs. Option B is incorrect as it does not address the immediate need to remove the wedding band. Option D is incorrect because it fails to provide the client with the necessary information about the potential risks of wearing the wedding band during surgery.

3. What is the role of the incident report in risk management?

• A. Liability protection.
• B. To provide data for analysis by a risk manager to determine how future problems can be avoided.
• C. To discipline staff for errors.
• D. All of the above.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'To provide data for analysis by a risk manager to determine how future problems can be avoided.' Incident reports are a crucial tool for collecting information about incidents to analyze them and prevent similar issues in the future. They are not primarily used for liability protection or disciplining staff. Therefore, choices A and C are incorrect. Selecting 'All of the above' (choice D) is not accurate as incident reports serve a specific purpose related to data analysis and risk prevention, excluding liability protection and staff discipline.

4. The ICU nurse caring for a client who has just been declared brain dead can expect to find evidence of the client's wishes regarding organ donation:

• A. on the client's driver's license.
• B. in the client's safety deposit box.
• C. in the client's last will and testament.
• D. on the client's insurance card.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In most states, indication of organ donor status is found on the client's driver's license, making it easily accessible for decision-making in critical situations like declaring brain death. Evidence in a last will and testament or a safety deposit box may not be promptly available. Information about organ donation is typically not included on insurance cards. The primary care physician's health record documentation could also be a relevant source for the ICU nurse. Therefore, the correct answer is finding evidence of the client's wishes regarding organ donation on the client's driver's license.

5. A nurse in a medical-surgical unit overhears the nursing staff openly discussing a client and stating that the client is uncooperative and a real pain to care for. The nurse would most appropriately manage this issue by taking which action?

• A. Leaving articles about judgmental opinions in the nurses' report room
• B. Reporting the nurses' comments to administration
• C. Discouraging the judgmental comments
• D. Ignoring the comments made about the client

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nurses must discuss clients in a professional manner and avoid using judgmental language such as 'uncooperative' or 'difficult.' When such comments and language are discouraged, fewer comments will be made. Ignoring the comments is an inappropriate option because the concern will not be addressed. Leaving articles about judgmental opinions in the nurses' report room indirectly addresses the issue, but there is no guarantee that the staff will read them. Reporting the nurses' comments to administration does not directly address the issue. The best approach for the nurse is to discourage judgmental comments directly with the staff members. Since this action is not provided in the options, discouraging judgmental comments is the most appropriate way to manage this concern.

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