Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following should be included in a discussion of advance directives with new nurse graduates?

• A. According to the Patient Self-Determination Act, nurses are required to inform clients of their right to create an advance directive.
• B. The advance directive designates an individual who will make financial decisions for the client if he or she is unable to do so.
• C. A living will designates who will make health-care decisions for an individual in the event the individual is unable or incompetent to make his or her own decisions.
• D. The advance directive designates a health-care surrogate who will make known the client’s wishes regarding medical treatment if the client is unable to do so.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to the Patient Self-Determination Act, nurses are required to inform clients of their right to create an advance directive.

2. Which of the following statements about ethical principles and laws is true?

• A. The government holds the power to enforce ethics.
• B. Laws provide standards that assist in decision making.
• C. Ethics are very specific.
• D. As a standard for measuring actions, ethical principles may be the basis for laws.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'As a standard for measuring actions, ethical principles may be the basis for laws.' This statement is true as ethical principles can influence the creation and implementation of laws. Ethical principles often serve as a foundation for laws by reflecting societal values and moral standards. Choice A is incorrect because while the government may enforce laws, ethics are typically guided by moral principles rather than government enforcement. Choice B is incorrect because laws provide legal standards, not ethical standards, for decision-making. Choice C is incorrect because ethics are not always very specific; they can be broad and encompass various moral values and principles.

3. A nurse is caring for a client after knee replacement surgery. The nurse discovers that the consent was not signed before the surgery. Which of the following charges could be filed?

• A. False imprisonment
• B. Libel
• C. Battery
• D. Malpractice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Battery. Battery occurs when an individual is touched without consent. Performing surgery without a signed consent constitutes battery as it involves touching the patient's body without proper authorization. False imprisonment (choice A) involves restraining someone against their will, which is not applicable in this scenario. Libel (choice B) refers to written defamation, which is not relevant to the situation described. Malpractice (choice D) involves negligence or incompetence in providing professional services, which is different from the lack of consent issue presented in this case.

4. A diabetic patient who has reported burning foot pain at night receives a new prescription. Which information should the nurse teach the patient about amitriptyline (Elavil)?

• A. Amitriptyline decreases the depression caused by your foot pain.
• B. Amitriptyline helps prevent transmission of pain impulses to the brain.
• C. Amitriptyline corrects some of the blood vessel changes that cause pain.
• D. Amitriptyline improves sleep and reduces awareness of nighttime pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps in reducing the transmission of pain impulses to the brain. Choice A is incorrect because amitriptyline primarily works on pain transmission rather than directly on depression. Choice C is inaccurate as amitriptyline's mechanism of action is not related to correcting blood vessel changes. Choice D is partially true as amitriptyline can improve sleep, but the primary mechanism related to pain relief is by preventing pain impulses from reaching the brain.

5. What is the primary focus of health promotion activities?

• A. To manage chronic diseases
• B. To educate patients about their health
• C. To prevent the onset of disease
• D. To identify and treat diseases early

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To prevent the onset of disease.' Health promotion activities aim to prevent diseases before they occur by promoting healthy behaviors, lifestyles, and environments. Choice A, 'To manage chronic diseases,' is incorrect as health promotion focuses on prevention rather than management. Choice B, 'To educate patients about their health,' is important but not the primary focus of health promotion. Choice D, 'To identify and treat diseases early,' is related to early detection and treatment, which is different from the primary goal of health promotion.

Similar Questions