Nursing Elites

1. Which action by the novice nurse indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. The nurse fails to wear gloves when removing a dressing.
• B. The nurse applies an oxygen saturation monitor to the earlobe.
• C. The nurse elevates the head of the bed to check blood pressure.
• D. The nurse places the extremity in a dependent position to acquire a peripheral blood sample.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The novice nurse failing to wear gloves when removing a dressing indicates a need for further teaching to emphasize infection control practices. This action can lead to the spread of infections. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they demonstrate proper nursing skills and techniques. Applying an oxygen saturation monitor to the earlobe, elevating the head of the bed to check blood pressure, and placing the extremity in a dependent position to acquire a peripheral blood sample all reflect understanding of correct procedures in patient care.

2. 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 whether she has signed the advance directives document.
• B. Tell the client that he or she will ask another nurse 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: The correct answer is to try to make the client as comfortable as possible but refuse to assist in death. According to the Code of Ethics for Nurses, nurses are committed to providing compassionate care, respecting the dignity and rights of the dying person. In this situation, it is important for the nurse to focus on providing comfort and support to the client while upholding ethical standards. Choice A is incorrect because discussing advance directives does not address the immediate request for assistance in dying. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the ethical dilemma presented. Choice C is incorrect because instructing the client that only a physician can assist in suicide does not fully address the complexity of the situation or the nurse's role in providing end-of-life care.

3. Lidocaine is a medication frequently ordered for the client experiencing

• A. Atrial tachycardia
• B. Ventricular tachycardia
• C. Heart block
• D. Ventricular bradycardia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lidocaine is used to treat ventricular tachycardia. This medication slowly exerts an antiarrhythmic effect by increasing the electrical stimulation threshold of the ventricles without depressing the force of ventricular contractions. It is not used for atrial arrhythmias; thus, answer A is incorrect. Answers C and D are incorrect because lidocaine does not slow the heart rate, so it is not used for heart block or bradycardia.

4. Mrs. Owens is the 81-year-old mother of Jonathan, who is 54 years old. Jonathan has had schizophrenia since he was 16 years old. Which of Mrs. Owens's concerns is likely to predominate?

• A. "Will my retirement funds outlast me?"?
• B. "Who will handle my funeral arrangements?"?
• C. "What will become of Jonathan when I am gone?"?
• D. "How can I communicate effectively with Jonathan's physician?"?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most prominent concern for Mrs. Owens is likely what will happen to her son, Jonathan, after she passes away. While retirement fund sustainability is important, it is not likely to be her primary concern. Funeral arrangements, although significant, are secondary to the welfare of her son with schizophrenia. The question of how to communicate with Jonathan's physician is less likely to be a predominant concern since Mrs. Owens has likely already addressed this issue over the 38 years of managing her son's care.

5. The ethical principle of keeping professional promises or obligations is:

• A. veracity
• B. autonomy
• C. fidelity
• D. beneficence

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is fidelity. Fidelity is the ethical principle that refers to keeping professional promises or obligations. Veracity, however, relates to truth-telling. Autonomy is about client self-determination and decision-making. Beneficence, on the other hand, involves doing good and is crucial in the provision of nursing care.

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