Nursing Elites

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. All hospitals and nursing homes are mandated to have the goal of a restraint-free environment. The best way to achieve this goal is to ________________.

• A. ban the use of all restraints under all circumstances
• B. limit restraints to only those situations when falls cannot be prevented
• C. keep all bedside rails up for all patients during nighttime hours
• D. use non-skid socks and sheets to prevent falls from chairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: All hospitals and nursing homes are mandated by JCAHO and state departments of health to have the goal of a restraint-free environment. This does not mean that no restraints can ever be used under any circumstances. The goal is to minimize the use of restraints and prioritize other preventive measures. Restraining a patient should only be considered when all other preventive strategies have failed, and the patient is at risk of harm. Therefore, the best approach is to limit the use of restraints to situations where falls cannot be prevented, ensuring that restraints are used as a last resort to maintain patient safety. Choices C and D are not ideal solutions as they do not address the appropriate use of restraints in a restraint-free environment.

3. Your patient has been diagnosed with herpes simplex virus 2. Which of the following would NOT be included in your teaching of this patient?

• A. If you have symptoms, you should avoid sexual contact with other individuals.
• B. With treatment, this condition can be cured.
• C. This disease is highly contagious.
• D. You may experience tingling in the skin before an active outbreak occurs.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'With treatment, this condition can be cured.' The treatment for herpes simplex virus (HSV) is symptomatic and palliative, aimed at managing symptoms rather than curing the infection. HSV is highly contagious, so sexual contact should be avoided during active outbreaks to prevent transmission. Many patients experience a tingling sensation in the skin before an active outbreak, known as a prodrome. Educating the patient that the condition is not curable but manageable with treatment is vital to set realistic expectations and promote proper management of the disease.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to insert an indwelling catheter in a female client. Which of the following positions of the client is most appropriate for this procedure?

• A. Lithotomy position
• B. Prone position
• C. Dorsal recumbent position
• D. High Fowler's position

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When preparing to insert an indwelling catheter for a female client, the most appropriate position is the dorsal recumbent position. In this position, the client lies on their back with knees bent. This position allows for easy access to the urethral area for catheter insertion. The lithotomy position, with legs elevated and spread apart, is more invasive and typically used for gynecological exams. The prone position, lying face down, is not suitable for catheter insertion. High Fowler's position, sitting upright at a 90-degree angle, is not ideal for catheter insertion as it does not provide proper access to the perineal area.

5. A nursing unit is implementing a new electronic charting program for the nursing staff to use. Which of the following best describes a disadvantage of using electronic charting?

• A. The information is more likely to be lost or used inappropriately.
• B. Any provider in the unit can have access to the client's medical records.
• C. The system diminishes communication between nurses and providers.
• D. The program may be confusing and difficult to implement.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A significant disadvantage of implementing a new electronic charting program is the potential for complexity and difficulty in implementation. Introducing a new system requires time and education for staff to adapt and use it appropriately. Users may experience confusion as they learn to navigate the new charting techniques, which can impact workflow efficiency and accuracy. Option A is incorrect because electronic charting systems are designed to enhance data security and integrity, reducing the risk of information being lost or misused. Option B is incorrect as access control mechanisms can restrict who can view specific patient records. Option C is incorrect as electronic charting systems often facilitate communication between healthcare providers by providing real-time access to patient information.

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