Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for an in-patient client in the hospital who is from another country and who fasts for temporary periods in order to promote his own spiritual growth. The nurse responds by saying, 'You need to eat something while you are here. Food and proper nutrition are extremely important for your health.' What social philosophy is the nurse demonstrating?

• A. Ethnocentrism
• B. Relativism
• C. Stereotyping
• D. Xenocentrism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse's response reflects ethnocentrism, a belief that one's own cultural practices are superior to others. Ethnocentrism involves viewing one's own culture as the standard by which all others should be judged. In this scenario, the nurse's insistence that the client needs to eat disregards the client's cultural and spiritual beliefs, considering only the nurse's perspective as valid. B: Relativism is the recognition and acceptance of cultural differences without judgment. The nurse's behavior does not align with relativism as there is a lack of understanding and acceptance of the client's cultural practices. C: Stereotyping involves making assumptions about individuals based on predefined characteristics. While the nurse may have made assumptions, the core issue in this scenario is the belief in the superiority of one's own cultural practices. D: Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, where one perceives other cultures as superior to their own. The nurse's actions are not driven by a belief in the superiority of the client's culture but rather by a belief in the superiority of her own cultural practices.

2. Which example best describes the concept of beneficence?

• A. A nurse provides pain medication for a client in the recovery room who is experiencing pain
• B. A client has an advanced directive in place stating that he does not want intubation if he needs CPR
• C. At the request of the client, a nurse does not inform the family about his cancer diagnosis
• D. A nurse withholds narcotic medication for a client in pain, knowing that he is currently disoriented

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good and acting in the best interest of the client. Providing pain relief to a client in the recovery room who is experiencing pain aligns with beneficence as it promotes the client's well-being and comfort. Choice B is related to autonomy, where the client's wishes regarding treatment are respected. Choice C involves confidentiality and the client's right to privacy. Choice D represents nonmaleficence, as withholding pain medication from a client in pain could cause harm and goes against the principle of doing no harm.

3. You are turning your patient in bed and notice that a confused and lethargic patient had loose car keys and lipstick in the bed and had been lying on them. What is this person at risk for due to all three of these factors: confusion, lethargy, and items in the bed?

• A. Falls
• B. Skin breakdown
• C. Apnea
• D. Lack of mobility

Correct answer: B

Rationale: This patient is at great risk for skin breakdown due to the presence of three specific risk factors: confusion, lethargy, and items in the bed. While confusion puts the patient at risk for falls, confusion and lethargy together may lead to a lack of mobility. However, skin breakdown is the primary concern in this scenario as it is associated with all three risk factors - confusion, lethargy, and the presence of items in the bed. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Skin breakdown'.

4. 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.

5. A nurse is asked to perform a task that she believes is outside her scope of practice. What is the appropriate response to this issue?

• A. Contact the state board of nursing licensure to report the offense
• B. Review the state scope of practice standards for nurses
• C. Ask another nurse to perform the task to learn the procedure
• D. Contact the house supervisor to make the decision on whether the nurse should perform the task

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When faced with a task that a nurse believes may be beyond their scope of practice, it is essential to refer to the state's specific scope of practice standards for nurses. This step is crucial as these standards can vary between states, providing clarity on what tasks are permissible. By reviewing these standards, the nurse can determine if the task falls within their scope of practice. Contacting the state board of nursing licensure to report the offense (Choice A) is premature and should only be considered if there is a serious violation after reviewing the scope of practice. Asking another nurse to perform the task (Choice C) does not address the issue of clarifying the scope of practice. Contacting the house supervisor (Choice D) may be necessary if the nurse cannot determine the appropriateness of the task based on the scope of practice standards.

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