Nursing Elites

1. Which action by the nurse represents the ethical principle of benevolence?

• A. The nurse administers an immunization to a child even though it may cause discomfort
• B. The nurse follows a plan of care designed to relieve pain in a client with cancer
• C. The nurse provides equal amounts of care to all assigned clients on the basis of illness acuity
• D. The nurse upholds a client's decision to refuse chemotherapy for lung cancer

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Benevolence is taking action to help others. In this scenario, administering an immunization to a child, even though it may cause discomfort, aligns with the principle of benevolence as the benefits of protection from disease outweigh the temporary discomfort. Fidelity refers to keeping promises made to clients, families, and other healthcare professionals. Autonomy is a person's independence, and respecting autonomy means agreeing to respect an individual's right to determine their course of action. Justice refers to fairness and equity, including the fair allocation of resources, such as nursing care for all clients. Choice B is incorrect as it pertains more to the ethical principle of beneficence rather than benevolence, which focuses on doing good for others without an expectation of something in return. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not directly align with the principle of benevolence.

2. The healthcare professional seeks to assess the renal function of an elderly client who is about to receive a nephrotoxic medication. Which of the following labs provides the best indicator for renal function?

• A. urinalysis
• B. creatinine and blood urea nitrogen
• C. chemistry of electrolytes
• D. creatinine clearance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context of an elderly client, assessing renal function before administering a nephrotoxic medication is crucial. While urinalysis and blood urea nitrogen provide valuable information on hydration status and overall health clues, they are not specific indicators of renal function. The chemistry of electrolytes may show abnormalities in renal failure, but it does not directly measure the kidneys' ability to eliminate waste. Creatinine clearance, on the other hand, is considered the best indicator for renal function in the elderly. This test accounts for decreases in lean body mass that can affect blood creatinine levels and is widely used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate, reflecting the kidneys' filtration capability. Therefore, creatinine clearance is the most appropriate lab test to assess renal function in this scenario.

3. The nurse is preparing to administer the 9 am dose of IV antibiotics when she notes the IVAC cord is frayed with wiring visible. What action should be her priority for this client?

• A. Notify maintenance to come and check the pump immediately.
• B. Continue with the administration of the antibiotic and fill out an equipment maintenance request.
• C. Immediately discontinue the use of this IVAC pump and obtain a replacement.
• D. Tag the equipment for maintenance.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action is to immediately discontinue the use of the IVAC pump and obtain a replacement because the frayed cord poses a safety risk to the client. Continuing to use the pump with visible wiring could lead to electric shock or other serious harm to the client. Notifying maintenance to come and check the pump immediately (Choice A) may cause unnecessary delays in ensuring the client's safety. Continuing with the administration of the antibiotic and filling out an equipment maintenance request (Choice B) is unsafe as it ignores the immediate danger. Tagging the equipment for maintenance (Choice D) does not address the urgent need to protect the client from harm.

4. A client is having an abortion in a women's clinic, and the nurse caring for the client does not think the reasoning is appropriate. The nurse asks, "Are you sure you want to do this? It can't be undone. Have you read about your other options? Adoption is always a good choice."? The client states she understands all options and is comfortable with her choice. The nurse nods and leaves the room to discuss the procedure with the physician. Which client right did the nurse violate with her actions?

• A. the client's right to make personal health decisions without interference, as the nurse tried to sway the client's decision-making and healthcare choice in the direction of not having an abortion
• B. the client's right to be left alone without unsolicited attention, as the nurse inserted herself in the client's healthcare scenario and offered uninvited advice
• C. the client's right to confidentiality, as the nurse is talking to the physician about the client and the abortion
• D. the client's right to respectful care, as the nurse clearly made it known that she did not approve of the abortion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A client has the right to make decisions about their healthcare without interference from healthcare team members. In this scenario, the nurse violated the client's right to make personal health decisions without interference by trying to influence the client's decision-making and healthcare choice in the direction of not having an abortion. It is essential for healthcare providers to respect patients' autonomy and decisions, regardless of personal beliefs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the primary violation in this situation is related to the client's right to make their own healthcare decisions without interference.

5. As part of the teaching plan for a client with type I diabetes mellitus, the nurse should include that carbohydrate needs might increase when:

• A. an infection is present.
• B. there is an emotional upset.
• C. a large meal is eaten.
• D. active exercise is performed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During active exercise, insulin sensitivity increases, leading to lower blood glucose levels. To balance the effect of increased insulin sensitivity, additional carbohydrates might be needed. The other choices are incorrect because: A) an infection typically raises blood glucose levels rather than increasing the need for carbohydrates; B) emotional upset can impact blood glucose but does not directly affect carbohydrate needs; C) while a large meal can raise blood glucose levels, it does not necessarily mean an increase in carbohydrate needs.

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