what is a standard of care

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Gerontology Nursing Questions And Answers PDF

1. What is a standard of care?

A. A relationship in which a nurse has assumed responsibility for the care of a patient
B. A policy or procedure established by a health care agency or professional association
C. The norm for what a reasonable individual would do in a similar circumstance
D. A public law that, if violated, can result in liability for the nurse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A standard of care is the level of care that a reasonably prudent person with similar training and experience would provide in a similar circumstance. Choice A is incorrect because it describes the nurse-patient relationship. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to specific policies or procedures. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a law rather than the expected level of care.

2. How does guardianship differ from power of attorney?

A. The court appoints a guardian; an individual grants a power of attorney to someone else to make decisions on his or her behalf.
B. Guardianship is legally binding whether or not an individual is competent; power of attorney applies only to the incompetent.
C. Courts monitor the actions of those executing a power of attorney, but guardians are free to act on behalf of another as long as standards of 'reasonable prudence' are met.
D. Guardianship stays in effect for one calendar year and must be renewed annually; power of attorney stays in effect until one or both parties choose to revoke it.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The key difference between guardianship and power of attorney is that the court appoints a guardian to make decisions on behalf of an individual who is deemed incompetent, while an individual grants a power of attorney to someone else to make decisions on their behalf when they are competent. Choice B is incorrect because both guardianship and power of attorney can apply to individuals who are competent or incompetent. Choice C is incorrect as guardians, like those with power of attorney, must act in the best interest of the individual they represent, and the level of oversight can vary. Choice D is incorrect as guardianship and power of attorney do not have fixed time limits; they remain in effect until revoked or ended by the appropriate legal process.

3. A nurse is determining ways to address ethnic diversity among clients being provided care. Which action would be the most direct way for the nurse to do this?

A. Explain how cultural backgrounds influence health beliefs and practices.
B. Provide culturally sensitive care that respects clients' traditions.
C. Listen to the life stories of clients to understand their cultural influences.
D. Participate in cultural competency training and workshops.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Listening to the life stories of clients is an effective way for nurses to understand the cultural influences that shape their beliefs and practices. By actively listening, nurses can gain insight into the clients' backgrounds, values, and preferences, allowing them to provide more personalized and culturally sensitive care. Choices A, B, and D are not as direct as listening to the life stories of clients. While explaining how cultural backgrounds influence health beliefs and practices is important, directly listening to clients' life stories provides a deeper understanding of their individual cultural influences.

4. Which of the following is a matter of public, not private, law?

A. Wrongful acts against another party
B. Invasion of a patient's privacy
C. Assault and battery on a patient
D. Licensing of a home health agency

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Licensing of a home health agency.' Public law governs relationships between private parties and the government, such as licensing requirements for entities like home health agencies. Choices A, B, and C involve private law, which governs relationships between individuals and organizations. These choices pertain to wrongful acts against another party, invasion of privacy, and assault and battery, respectively.

5. A nurse is providing end-of-life care to an older female client who practices Judaism. Which intervention would the nurse identify as potentially problematic for this client and her family?

A. The client requires transfusions of packed red blood cells during care.
B. Assessment by a male health care provider was required.
C. An autopsy was ordered due to the client's unique disease etiology.
D. A do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order was recommended by the care team.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Autopsy is often opposed in the context of Jewish religious and cultural beliefs, as it is seen as desecration of the body. While a person who is a Jehovah's Witness would be opposed to blood transfusions (choice A), a Muslim client may prefer to be cared for by someone of the same gender (choice B). A DNR order (choice D) is not noted to be a particular issue in the context of Jewish culture.