which example best describes a nurse who exhibits moral courage

NCLEX-RN

Saunders NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. Which example best describes a nurse who exhibits moral courage?

A. A nurse feels angry when a parent refuses important treatment for his child.
B. A nurse considers seeking help for depression when she feels she cannot meet the needs of her clients in the oncology unit.
C. A nurse contacts a physician for further orders when he fails to order comfort measures for a client with a terminal illness.
D. A nurse is frustrated when the laboratory is slow in responding to an order for a stat blood glucose.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Moral courage involves taking action to do what is right, even when there might be negative consequences. The nurse who contacted a physician for further orders acted as a client advocate to seek help, even though she may have faced consequences such as lost time, decreased productivity, or criticism from the physician. Choices A, B, and D do not directly involve advocating for a client's needs or challenging a situation that goes against ethical standards. Feeling angry, seeking help for personal issues, or being frustrated with work processes do not necessarily demonstrate moral courage in the context of nursing practice.

2. A client with asthma is being admitted for breathing difficulties. His arterial blood gas results are pH 7.26, PCO2 49, PaO2 90, and HCO3- 21. Which of the following best describes this condition?

A. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
B. Compensated respiratory alkalosis
C. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
D. Compensated metabolic alkalosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this case, the client's arterial blood gas results show a pH of 7.26 and a PCO2 of 49, both of which are abnormal. A pH below the normal range of 7.35-7.45 indicates acidosis. The elevated PCO2 of 49 mmHg suggests respiratory acidosis as the primary issue. The normal range for PCO2 is 35-45 mmHg, so a value of 49 indicates the retention of excess CO2, leading to acidosis. The low HCO3- level of 21 also supports the presence of metabolic acidosis; however, the primary abnormality is respiratory, making this an uncompensated respiratory acidosis. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Uncompensated respiratory acidosis.' Choice B, 'Compensated respiratory alkalosis,' is incorrect because the client's pH is acidic, not alkalotic. Additionally, there is no compensation occurring for the primary respiratory acidosis indicated by the elevated PCO2. Choice C, 'Uncompensated metabolic acidosis,' is incorrect because while the HCO3- level is low, the primary issue indicated by the elevated PCO2 is respiratory acidosis. Choice D, 'Compensated metabolic alkalosis,' is incorrect since the arterial blood gas results do not support a metabolic alkalosis. The low HCO3- level would typically be seen in metabolic acidosis, but in this case, the primary issue is respiratory acidosis.

3. A nurse is required to float to another unit within the hospital where he is asked to care for a client on a ventilator. The nurse is uncomfortable with this assignment, as he has not had a ventilated client since nursing school. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

A. Explain to the nursing supervisor the level of discomfort and ask for a different assignment
B. State that the client's needs are outside the nurse's scope of practice and request a different assignment
C. Accept the assignment, asking for help when necessary
D. Request to return to the home unit and send another nurse who can perform the job

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When floating to another unit and asked to take an assignment that falls outside a nurse's comfort zone, the nurse should notify the area supervisor of the level of discomfort and request a different assignment. Caring for ventilated clients typically falls within the scope of nursing practice; however, discomfort with the situation may not necessarily be overcome by accepting the assignment. Alternatively, the effects could be harmful to the client if the nurse is unfamiliar with this type of care. Requesting a different assignment is the most appropriate response in this situation, ensuring patient safety and the nurse's comfort level. Stating that the client's needs are outside the nurse's scope of practice (Choice B) may not be accurate, as caring for ventilated clients usually falls within the scope of nursing practice. Accepting the assignment (Choice C) without addressing the discomfort may compromise patient safety. Requesting to return to the home unit (Choice D) does not address the immediate need of caring for the ventilated client and may delay appropriate care.

4. The nurse is performing discharge teaching for Mrs. S after cardiac angioplasty. Her husband is present for the teaching. While explaining the prescription for antiplatelet medication to use at home, Mrs. S's husband states, 'I don't think I can afford to refill that medication.' What is the most appropriate response of the nurse?

A. Don't worry, your insurance will cover it.
B. I'll ask the physician if he can prescribe a medication that is more affordable.
C. You should apply for Medicare to see if they can help you.
D. This medication is essential for her care and should be given priority over all others that she is taking.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse in this situation is to offer assistance in exploring more affordable medication options. It is important to address the patient's concerns about medication costs to ensure adherence to the treatment plan. By suggesting to ask the physician if a more affordable alternative is available, the nurse shows understanding and a commitment to helping the patient access necessary medications. Choice A is incorrect because assuming insurance coverage without verifying can lead to false expectations. Choice C is incorrect as Medicare eligibility and assistance may not be applicable in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the financial concern raised by the husband and emphasizes the importance of the medication without offering a practical solution to affordability.

5. When teaching a Vietnamese patient who has been treated for pneumonia and needs to complete her antibiotic regimen at home, what is an important cultural component to consider?

A. Cupping will help to pull toxins from the body
B. Coining will help to release the wind or bad energy from the body
C. Once symptoms disappear there is no longer an illness
D. Most households consist of at least 3 generations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Once symptoms disappear there is no longer an illness'. In Vietnamese culture, there is a belief that once symptoms go away, the illness is no longer present and does not require further treatment. This is crucial to understand when educating Vietnamese patients about completing their antibiotic regimen. Choices A and B (cupping and coining) are traditional Vietnamese healing practices that are not directly related to completing antibiotic therapy. Choice D, about households consisting of multiple generations, is not directly relevant to the completion of antibiotic treatment for pneumonia in this context.