Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following scenarios represents nursing malpractice?

• A. The nurse administers penicillin to a patient with a documented history of allergy to the drug. The patient experiences an allergic reaction and suffers cerebral damage due to anoxia.
• B. The nurse applies a hot water bottle or a heating pad to the abdomen of a patient with abdominal cramping.
• C. The nurse assists a patient out of bed with the bed locked in position; the patient slips and fractures his right humerus.
• D. The nurse administers the wrong medication to a patient, resulting in vomiting. This error is documented and reported to the physician and the nursing supervisor.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Administering a drug to a patient with a known allergy, leading to severe harm such as an allergic reaction causing cerebral damage due to anoxia, constitutes nursing malpractice. In this scenario, the nurse failed to adhere to the standard of care by administering a medication that the patient was allergic to, resulting in serious harm, which is a clear example of malpractice in nursing.

2. According to the principles of standard precautions, when should gloves be worn by healthcare providers?

• A. Providing a back massage
• B. Feeding a client
• C. Providing hair care
• D. Providing oral hygiene

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gloves should be worn when providing oral hygiene as it involves potential exposure to bodily fluids, aligning with the standard precautions to prevent the transmission of infections. Providing a back massage, feeding a client, and providing hair care do not typically involve direct exposure to bodily fluids, so wearing gloves is not necessary in these scenarios according to standard precautions.

3. A client requests the creation of a living will. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Schedule a meeting between the hospital ethics committee and the client.
• B. Evaluate the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures.
• C. Determine the client's preferences about post-mortem care.
• D. Request a conference with the client's family

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client requests the creation of a living will, the nurse's priority is to evaluate the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures. This involves ensuring that the client comprehends the implications of various life-sustaining interventions and can make informed decisions about their care preferences in the event they are unable to communicate them later. It is crucial for the nurse to assess the client's comprehension to ensure that the living will accurately reflects the client's wishes and values.

4. When preparing an in-service on malpractice issues in nursing, which of the following examples should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Leaving a nasogastric tube clamped after administering oral medication
• B. Documenting communication with a provider in the progress notes of the client's medical record
• C. Administering potassium via IV bolus
• D. Placing a yellow bracelet on a client who is at risk for falls

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Administering potassium via IV bolus is a high-risk procedure that requires careful attention and adherence to established protocols to prevent serious complications like cardiac arrest. Errors in administering IV medications, especially potent ones like potassium, can lead to severe harm to the patient and potential legal consequences for the healthcare provider. Therefore, including this example in the in-service on malpractice issues helps emphasize the importance of safe medication administration practices and the potential implications of errors.

5. A client with tuberculosis is receiving a new prescription for isoniazid (INH). The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following findings as an adverse effect of the medication?

• A. You might notice yellowing of your skin.
• B. You might experience pain in your joints.
• C. You might notice tingling of your hands.
• D. You might experience loss of appetite.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tingling of the hands is a common adverse effect of isoniazid (INH) due to its potential to cause peripheral neuropathy. This sensation can be an early sign of nerve damage, and thus, the client should be instructed to report it promptly to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

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