Nursing Elites

1. What is the most important legal responsibility for the healthcare team after a patient's death in a hospital?

• A. Obtaining consent for an autopsy
• B. Notifying the coroner or medical examiner
• C. Labeling the body appropriately
• D. Ensuring the attending physician issues the death certificate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a patient's death in a hospital, the most crucial legal responsibility for the healthcare team is ensuring that the attending physician issues the death certificate. The death certificate is a vital legal document that confirms the cause of death and is required for legal and administrative purposes, including the completion of the patient's medical records and facilitating the family's ability to proceed with funeral arrangements and insurance claims. While other actions such as obtaining consent for an autopsy, notifying the coroner or medical examiner, and labeling the body appropriately are important, ensuring the timely and accurate issuance of the death certificate takes precedence in this scenario.

2. A healthcare provider reaches to answer the telephone on a busy pediatric unit, momentarily turning away from a 3-month-old infant she has been weighing. The infant falls off the scale, suffering a skull fracture. The healthcare provider could be charged with:

• A. Defamation
• B. Assault
• C. Battery
• D. Malpractice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The scenario described involves a breach of duty by the healthcare provider to properly supervise the infant, resulting in harm. This failure to meet the standard of care falls under the category of malpractice, which refers to professional negligence or misconduct. Malpractice specifically applies to situations where a healthcare provider's actions or omissions deviate from the accepted standard of care, causing harm to a patient. In this case, the nurse's lack of supervision leading to the infant falling off the scale and sustaining a skull fracture would be considered malpractice.

3. A client has a new prescription for heparin therapy. Which of the following statements by the client should indicate an immediate concern for the nurse?

• A. ''I am allergic to morphine.''
• B. ''I take antacids several times a day.''
• C. ''I had a blood clot in my leg several years ago.''
• D. ''It hurts to take a deep breath.''

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the statement 'I take antacids several times a day.' Antacids can alter the absorption of heparin, potentially affecting its effectiveness and increasing the risk of clot formation. This is a significant concern as it can impact the therapeutic outcome of heparin therapy. The other statements are not directly related to potential complications or interactions with heparin therapy.

4. A client is in a seclusion room following violent behavior and continues to display aggressive behavior. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Confront the client about this behavior.
• B. Express sympathy for the client's situation.
• C. Speak assertively to the client.
• D. Stand within 30 cm (1 ft) of the client when speaking with them.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client in a seclusion room following violent behavior continues to display aggression, it is essential for the nurse to confront the client about this behavior. Confrontation can help set boundaries, address the behavior, and ensure the safety of both the client and the healthcare team. Expressing sympathy (Choice B) may not address the immediate need for behavior management. Speaking assertively (Choice C) can be important but should be coupled with addressing the specific behavior. Standing within close proximity (Choice D) of an aggressive client can escalate the situation and compromise safety, so it is not the appropriate action to take.

5. Which of the following principles of primary nursing has proven most satisfying to the patient and nurse?

• A. Continuity of patient care promotes efficient and cost-effective nursing care.
• B. Autonomy and authority for planning are best delegated to a nurse who knows the patient well.
• C. Accountability is clearest when one nurse is responsible for the overall plan and its implementation.
• D. The holistic approach provides for a therapeutic relationship, continuity, and efficient nursing care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The holistic approach, encompassing a therapeutic relationship, continuity, and efficient nursing care, is the most satisfying principle of primary nursing. This approach considers the patient as a whole, taking into account physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects, which enhances the nurse-patient relationship and promotes comprehensive care. It emphasizes individualized care delivery, continuity of care, and an integrated approach, leading to improved patient satisfaction and nurse fulfillment.

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