Nursing Elites

1. You are on the unit and overhear another nurse talking on the phone to a patient's friend who wants to see her patient who is comatose and on a ventilator. Since you cared for that patient yesterday, you know that the patient's significant other, who is also the designated healthcare surrogate (HCS) and has power of attorney (POA), has expressly stated that he wants this person on the list for restricted visitors. The nurse whispers that she'll call him to visit as soon as the significant other has gone home. What should your first response be?

• A. Inform the significant other
• B. Report the nurse to the nurse manager
• C. Speak with the nurse directly in private
• D. Call the visitor and tell him he can't visit

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Speaking with the nurse directly and privately is the most constructive manner in which to handle this situation and advocate for the significant other's wishes. Doing so will open communication with a peer and build the relationship, instead of alienating the other nurse by taking action that does not involve her and will cast her in a negative light with others. It is essential to express your concerns regarding honoring the significant other's requests and rights regarding the limitation of visitors. Option A is incorrect because the significant other is not the one trying to visit, and it is more appropriate to address the nurse directly first. Option B is not the best initial response as it may escalate the situation without giving the nurse a chance to correct the issue. Option D is incorrect as it does not address the issue at its source and may create further conflict without resolving the underlying problem.

2. All of the following are essential components of supervision EXCEPT:

• A. All tasks to be delegated or supervised are within the nurse's scope of practice
• B. The necessary tasks require repeated assessments
• C. The nurse has adequate time to develop staff assignments
• D. Policies have been developed that govern nursing practice

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Supervision in nursing requires key components to ensure effective management. Tasks to be delegated or supervised must align with the nurse's scope of practice to maintain safety and quality care. Adequate time for staff assignment development is essential for efficient workflow. Policies governing nursing practice provide a framework for safe and standardized care. However, the statement 'The necessary tasks require repeated assessments' is not an essential component of supervision. Tasks should be clear, achievable, and not necessitate repeated assessments, as this would impede delegation and efficient completion. Repeated assessments may indicate unclear task delegation or inadequate initial assessment, which should be avoided in effective supervision.

3. The client is receiving discharge teaching seven (7) days post myocardial infarction and inquires why he must wait six (6) weeks before engaging in sexual intercourse. What is the best response by the nurse to this question?

• A. "You need to regain your strength before attempting such exertion."?
• B. "When you can climb 2 flights of stairs without problems, it is generally safe."?
• C. "Have a glass of wine to relax you, then you can try to have sex."?
• D. "If you can maintain an active walking program, you will have less risk."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Following a myocardial infarction, there is a risk of cardiac rupture at the site of the infarction for approximately six (6) weeks until scar tissue forms. The advice to wait until the client can climb two flights of stairs without issues is common among healthcare providers as it indicates an adequate level of physical exertion tolerance and suggests a lower risk of complications during sexual activity. Choice A is not specific to the recovery timeline related to sexual activity post-myocardial infarction. Choice C is inappropriate as alcohol consumption should not be recommended before sexual activity. Choice D, though promoting an active lifestyle, does not directly address the safety concerns related to sexual intercourse post-myocardial infarction.

4. Which of the following interventions should be prioritized in the care of the suicidal client?

• A. Remove all potentially harmful items from the client's room
• B. Allow the client to express feelings of hopelessness
• C. Note the client's capabilities to increase self esteem
• D. Set a "no suicide"? contract with the client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: accessibility of the means of suicide increases the lethality. Allowing a patient to express feelings and setting a no suicide contract are interventions for suicidal client but blocking the means of suicide is priority. Increasing self esteem is an intervention for depressed clients but not specifically for suicide.

5. Victor, a 43-year-old patient who is HIV positive with a diagnosis of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), has been admitted to the hospital. His prognosis is very poor, and his partner, Roger, would like to have a ceremony performed in his room to honor their union in case something happens to Victor, who agrees. What is the most appropriate response to their request?

• A. Inform them that Victor is too ill for a ceremony
• B. Ask the social worker to intervene
• C. Tell them it's against hospital policy
• D. Coordinate with other disciplines to support their request

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate and compassionate response is to respect Victor and Roger's relationship and honor their wishes. Coordinating with other disciplines, such as social work, chaplaincy, or patient advocacy, to support their request demonstrates a holistic approach to care. This collaborative effort can facilitate the ceremony and provide emotional support to both Victor and Roger during a challenging time. Upholding their request aligns with the principles of patient-centered care and promotes dignity and respect, as outlined in the ANA Code of Ethics. Informing them that Victor is too ill for a ceremony (Choice A) would dismiss their emotional needs and fail to address their request. Involving the social worker without understanding the specific request (Choice B) may not directly address their desire for a ceremony. Telling them it's against hospital policy (Choice C) disregards the importance of honoring patient preferences and may cause unnecessary distress in an already sensitive situation.

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