Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a dying client who has persistently requested that the nurse 'help her to die and be in peace.' According to the Code of Ethics for Nurses, the nurse should:

• A. Ask the client if she has signed an advance directives document.
• B. Tell the client that another nurse will be assigned to care for her.
• C. Instruct the client that only a physician can legally assist in suicide.
• D. Try to make the client as comfortable as possible, but refuse to assist in death.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to the Code of Ethics for Nurses, the nurse should try to make the client as comfortable as possible but refuse to assist in death. It is not within the scope of nursing practice to assist in death, even if requested by the client. Choice A is incorrect as advance directives do not directly relate to the client's request for assistance in dying. Choice B is inappropriate as passing the responsibility to another nurse does not address the ethical dilemma at hand. Choice C is incorrect because instructing the client that only a physician can legally assist in suicide does not address the ethical considerations involved in the request. Therefore, the most appropriate action for the nurse is to provide comfort measures while upholding ethical standards and not participating in ending the client's life.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with epilepsy who is being treated with carbamazepine (Tegretol). Which laboratory value might indicate a serious side effect of this drug?

• A. Uric acid of 5 mg/dL
• B. Hematocrit of 33%
• C. WBC 2,000 per cubic millimeter
• D. Platelets 150,000 per cubic millimeter

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can suppress the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in the white blood cell count. A laboratory value of WBC 2,000 per cubic millimeter indicates a serious side effect of the drug. Choices A and D are within normal limits, while choice B is at the lower limit of normal. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect.

3. The home health nurse is planning for the day's visits. Which client should be seen first?

• A. The 78-year-old who had a gastrectomy 3 weeks ago with a PEG tube
• B. The 5-month-old discharged 1 week ago with pneumonia who is being treated with amoxicillin liquid suspension
• C. The 50-year-old with MRSA being treated with Vancomycin via a PICC line
• D. The 30-year-old with an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis being treated with cortisone via a centrally placed venous catheter

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority client is the 30-year-old with an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis being treated with cortisone via a centrally placed venous catheter. This client is at the highest risk for complications and requires immediate attention. Choice C, the 50-year-old with MRSA being treated with Vancomycin via a PICC line, is incorrect as Vancomycin administration can be scheduled at specific times and does not indicate an urgent need for a visit. Choices A and B are also incorrect as these clients are more stable compared to the client with multiple sclerosis in need of cortisone therapy.

4. Referral for client education in the community can be accomplished through all of the following except:

• A. community agencies such as the American Heart Association
• B. parish nurses
• C. home health care agencies
• D. unlicensed massage therapists

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Client education should be conducted by individuals with acknowledged expertise in the subject area and appropriate credentials to support their activities within the healthcare community. Choices A, B, and C involve reputable entities or professionals who can provide accurate and reliable client education. The American Heart Association, parish nurses, and home health care agencies are recognized for their healthcare-related knowledge and qualifications. However, unlicensed massage therapists lack the necessary qualifications and expertise to deliver appropriate healthcare-related education, making them unsuitable for referrals when it comes to client education in the community.

5. The nursing assistant hitting the client in the long-term care facility can be charged with:

• A. Negligence
• B. Tort
• C. Assault
• D. Malpractice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assault is the appropriate charge in this scenario. Assault involves physically striking or touching someone inappropriately. Negligence (Choice A) refers to failing to provide proper care for the client. Tort (Choice B) is a wrongful act committed against the client or their property. Malpractice (Choice D) is the failure to perform an act that should have been done or the improper performance of an act resulting in harm to the client. Since the nursing assistant physically struck the client, the charge of assault is most fitting.

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