Nursing Elites

1. When in doubt about using restraints on an agitated patient, it is prudent for nurses to:

• A. Restrain the patient for their own safety
• B. Use minor restraints such as a bed side rail or a tray on a wheelchair
• C. Use alternatives such as a bed alarm with increased staff supervision
• D. Avoid using any device or procedure to limit liability

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use alternatives such as a bed alarm with increased staff supervision.' The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) established strict standards on restraint use in long-term care facilities. Restraints can be considered a form of false imprisonment and neglect, leading to potential litigation. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid restraints whenever possible. A bed alarm coupled with enhanced staff supervision provides an effective and non-restrictive approach for managing an agitated patient. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because restraining the patient, using minor restraints, or avoiding all devices without providing an alternative can pose risks to patient safety, violate regulations, or increase liability concerns.

2. Which of the following aspects of gerontological nursing would be most likely classified under private law?

• A. The regulation of who may call himself or herself a 'nurse'
• B. The contract between an older adult resident of a care facility and the owners of the facility
• C. The legal criteria for declaring an individual mentally incompetent
• D. The criminal consequences for instances of elder abuse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because private law deals with relationships between individuals and organizations, such as the contract between an individual and the care facility. Choices A, C, and D are not classified under private law. Choice A pertains to professional regulation and is a matter of public law. Choice C involves legal criteria and decision-making related to mental competence, falling under public law. Choice D concerns criminal consequences, which are also part of public law.

3. An older adult client tells the nurse that blockage of qi in one of the body's meridians is causing severe headaches. The health care provider has diagnosed migraines and has prescribed a triptan drug. Which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to implement?

• A. Suggest that the prescribed medicine may stimulate the flow of qi
• B. Explain the vasoconstrictive and serotonin-moderating action of triptan
• C. Instruct the client to take as many doses as needed for relief
• D. Caution the client that the headaches will grow worse if the client fails to take the medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Qi is the life force that circulates through the body in invisible pathways called meridians. In this scenario, the client believes that the blockage of qi is causing severe headaches. While explaining the scientific principles underlying the drug action could be valuable, it's crucial to consider the client's belief system. Therefore, the most appropriate response is to suggest that the prescribed medicine may stimulate the flow of qi, aligning with the client's perspective. Choice B, explaining the vasoconstrictive and serotonin-moderating action of triptan, does not address the client's concerns about qi blockage. Choice C, instructing the client to take as many doses as needed, can lead to potential medication misuse. Choice D, cautioning the client about worsening headaches without medication, may induce fear and hinder effective communication with the client.

4. What is the most important advantage of an advance directive?

• A. Such a directive indicates how medical decisions are to be made in case a patient is unable to communicate their wishes.
• B. It spares the family the burden of making significant decisions for a patient regarding terminal care.
• C. It ensures that a person's property is distributed according to their wishes after death, avoiding legal complications.
• D. It allows individuals to appoint a guardian for themselves in case of incapacity, without involving the court system.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An advance directive, or living will, is a legal document that specifies an individual's preferences for medical treatment if they are unable to communicate their wishes. The most important advantage of an advance directive is that it spares the family from having to make challenging decisions about terminal care on behalf of the patient. Choice A is incorrect because advance directives pertain to healthcare decisions, not property matters. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to a will for property distribution, which is a different legal document. Choice D is incorrect as advance directives are not related to appointing guardians but rather focus on healthcare decision-making.

5. Which of the following statements by family caregivers would the nurse consider most indicative of elder abuse?

• A. Mom can't handle her own money anymore, so I've had to take over her banking.
• B. When my dad starts wandering around the house, I give him sleeping pills until he calms down and falls asleep in his chair.
• C. My mother says she wants me to do everything for her, but I think it's better if she keeps on doing everything she's still capable of.
• D. I get so frustrated because my father used to be so competent, and now he can't even use a toilet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The statement 'When my dad starts wandering around the house, I give him sleeping pills until he calms down and falls asleep in his chair' is most indicative of elder abuse as it involves the inappropriate use of chemical restraints. This practice can harm the elderly and is considered a form of abuse. Choices A, C, and D do not demonstrate elder abuse. Choice A may be a responsible action depending on the circumstances, choice C reflects a positive philosophy of care, and choice D expresses frustration but does not constitute abuse.

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