Nursing Elites

1. What is the definition of malpractice in the context of professional negligence?

• A. Failure to follow personal standards of care
• B. Failure to act in a reasonable and prudent manner by a professional
• C. Harm caused by a healthcare team due to miscommunication
• D. Failure to document patient care properly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct definition of malpractice in the context of professional negligence is the failure to act in a reasonable and prudent manner by a professional. This choice is correct because malpractice occurs when a professional does not meet the standard of care expected in their field, leading to harm or injury to the client. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because malpractice is specifically about the failure to meet professional standards of care, rather than personal standards, miscommunication within a healthcare team, or inadequate documentation of patient care.

2. A patient with COPD is admitted with shortness of breath and a productive cough. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula
• B. Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe
• C. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position
• D. Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing the patient in a high-Fowler’s position should be implemented first. This intervention helps improve lung expansion, making it easier for the patient to breathe. Elevating the head of the bed reduces the work of breathing and can alleviate symptoms of respiratory distress. Administering oxygen, encouraging coughing and deep breathing, and administering a bronchodilator are important interventions in the care of a patient with COPD, but positioning the patient for optimal lung expansion takes precedence in this scenario.

3. A nurse witnesses a colleague administering the wrong IV solution to a client. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Complete an incident report.
• B. Ask the colleague if they intend to report the error.
• C. Call the healthcare provider to notify them of the error.
• D. Notify the supervisor about the situation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step for the nurse to take in this situation is to ask the colleague if they intend to report the error. It is important to address the error promptly and directly with the colleague involved to ensure that the appropriate actions are taken to correct the mistake and prevent harm to the client. Completing an incident report, calling the healthcare provider, or notifying the supervisor can be done after discussing the error with the colleague. Immediate communication with the colleague directly involved in the error is crucial to address the situation effectively.

4. The nurse is caring for a patient who is at risk for infection. Which action by the nurse indicates correct understanding about standard precautions?

• A. Teaches the patient about good nutrition.
• B. Disposes of an uncapped needle in the designated container.
• C. Wears eyewear when emptying the urinary drainage bag.
• D. Dons gloves when wearing artificial nails.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct understanding of standard precautions includes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to body fluids. Wearing eyewear when emptying the urinary drainage bag is crucial as it protects the nurse's eyes from potential splashes of body fluids. Teaching the patient about good nutrition (Choice A) is important for overall health but is not directly related to standard precautions. Disposing of an uncapped needle correctly (Choice B) is part of safe needle handling but does not specifically relate to standard precautions. Donning gloves when wearing artificial nails (Choice D) is not a correct understanding of standard precautions, as artificial nails can harbor microorganisms and increase the risk of infection transmission.

5. A client reports severe pain unrelieved by pain medication in a limb with traction. What is the nurse's priority?

• A. Increase the dosage of pain medication.
• B. Assess for compartment syndrome.
• C. Wait for the healthcare provider to address the issue.
• D. Reposition the client to alleviate the pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for compartment syndrome. Severe unrelieved pain in a limb with traction can be a sign of compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency. Prompt assessment is crucial to prevent potential complications. Increasing pain medication dosage without addressing the underlying cause may delay necessary interventions. Waiting for the healthcare provider may lead to a critical delay in treatment. Repositioning the client may not alleviate the pain if it is due to compartment syndrome, and it is crucial to assess for this condition first.

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