Nursing Elites

1. The nurse suspects an elderly client has been the victim of abuse. The client denies abuse and declines assistance. The nurse's next action should be to:

• A. respect the client's decision to refuse assistance.
• B. report the incident to the authorities.
• C. arrange an appointment with the client's family.
• D. educate the client about available services.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cases where elderly clients deny abuse and refuse assistance, it is crucial for the nurse to respect their autonomy while also ensuring their safety. Educating the client about available services is the appropriate action as it empowers the client with information without imposing any decisions on them. It allows the client to make informed choices regarding their well-being. Reporting the incident to the authorities (Choice B) may be necessary if there is immediate danger, but in this scenario, the client denies abuse. Arranging an appointment with the client's family (Choice C) may not be appropriate without the client's consent or in cases where the family might be involved in the abuse. Simply doing nothing (Choice A) is not the best course of action as the nurse should still provide support and resources to the client.

2. The nurse observes bilateral bruises on the arms of an elderly client in a long-term care facility. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask this client?

• A. "How did you get those bruises?"?
• B. "Did someone grab you by your arms?"?
• C. "Do you fall often?"?
• D. "What did you bump against?"?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is asking, "Did someone grab you by your arms?"? This question is direct and addresses the possibility of abuse, which is crucial when dealing with suspected abuse cases. It is important to ask direct questions in a sensitive and non-accusatory manner to gather information. Choice A is too general and may not prompt a disclosure of abuse. Choice C assumes falling as the cause without addressing abuse directly. Choice D is vague and does not specifically inquire about potential abuse, making it less effective in identifying abuse cases compared to the correct choice.

3. 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.

4. A client asks the nurse if all donor blood products are cross-matched with the recipient to prevent a transfusion reaction. Which of the following always requires cross-matching?

• A. packed red blood cells
• B. platelets
• C. plasma
• D. granulocytes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Packed red blood cells contain antigens and antibodies that must be matched between the donor and recipient to prevent transfusion reactions. Platelets, plasma, and granulocytes do not contain red blood cells, so they do not require cross-matching. Platelets are matched based on ABO compatibility, while plasma and granulocytes are not routinely cross-matched as they lack red cell antigens.

5. After talking to the nurse, the charge nurse should:

• A. Report the incident to the Board of Nursing
• B. File a formal reprimand
• C. Terminate the nurse
• D. Charge the nurse with a tort

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The appropriate action after discussing the problem with the nurse is to document the incident and file a formal reprimand. Reporting to the Board of Nursing may be necessary if the behavior persists or harm occurs to the client, but it is not the initial step. Termination should be considered if the issue continues despite warnings. Charging the nurse with a tort is not a suitable course of action in this situation as a tort refers to a wrongful act against a client or their belongings, not an appropriate disciplinary measure. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

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