Nursing Elites

1. A client is preparing to undergo a cystoscopy for stones. Which of the following statements indicates that the client understands the procedure?

• A. I better drink a lot of fluid now because I won't be able to after the test.
• B. I will probably see a little blood when I urinate.
• C. I will be able to go home after 3 days in the hospital.
• D. I won't need any pain medicine; this probably will not hurt.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'I will probably see a little blood when I urinate.' During a cystoscopy, a scope is inserted into the client's bladder to inspect structures or remove objects like stones. This procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia. It is common for clients to experience a small amount of blood in their urine (hematuria) or have pink-colored urine after the procedure. The other choices are incorrect because drinking a lot of fluid before the test, staying in the hospital for 3 days, and assuming no pain will be experienced are not accurate statements related to a cystoscopy procedure.

2. Who among the following individuals wrote a medical code of ethics?

• A. Hammurabi
• B. Thomas Percival
• C. Hippocrates
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: All of the above individuals contributed to the development of medical ethics. Hammurabi created the earliest known code around 2500 BC. Hippocrates, known for the principle 'Do no harm,' emphasized ethical practices in medicine. Thomas Percival, a physician interested in sociological medicine, authored a Code of Medical Ethics in 1803, which influenced modern medical ethics. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of them individually wrote a medical code of ethics, making 'All of the above' the most inclusive and accurate answer.

3. Which of the following reasons would be legal when considering a patient's medical record?

• A. Allowing a patient's brother to view her chart to find out her birthdate and address so that he can mail her a card
• B. Not allowing a patient to view her own chart because the physician feels this information would be detrimental to her wellbeing
• C. Not allowing a patient to view her chart because she is behind on her payments
• D. All of the above are legal

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is not allowing a patient to view her own chart because the physician feels this information would be detrimental to her wellbeing. Physicians have a duty to withhold certain health information from patients if disclosing it could potentially harm the patient. In situations where revealing certain information may have a significantly negative impact on the patient's mental or physical health, healthcare providers have the legal right to withhold that information. Allowing a patient's brother to view her chart for non-medical reasons like sending a card is not a valid legal reason for disclosing patient information. Similarly, refusing access based on financial reasons is not a legal ground for restricting access to a patient's medical record as patient care should not be influenced by financial matters.

4. A nurse is caring for a dying client whose family wants to be with him in the operating suite. The surgeon, however, does not allow families to be present during surgery. The nurse recognizes this as an ethical dilemma. What is the initial step of the nurse when managing this situation?

• A. Contact the physician to amend the order for the client
• B. Document an account of the situation to ensure adequate coverage of details
• C. Consult with the medical ethics committee to determine a safe and workable solution
• D. Speak with the chief nursing officer to change the policy governing this situation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this type of situation, the first action of the nurse should be to address the immediate needs of the client by requesting the physician to make a change based on the circumstances. The primary concern is to ensure the client's well-being and honor the family's wishes, even if it means deviating from standard protocols. While documentation (Choice B) and consulting with higher authorities like the medical ethics committee (Choice C) may be necessary at a later stage, the initial step is to take action to meet the client's needs promptly. Speaking with the chief nursing officer to change the policy (Choice D) is not the most immediate or practical step in this situation, as the focus should be on the client's current care needs.

5. You have noticed that the last several patients you have cared for have had questionable blood pressure readings from their arterial lines. When checked against cuff pressures, a discrepancy has been noted, and further investigation has revealed faulty transducers. This is not the first product issue with this company. What positive step could you take to help resolve this situation?

• A. Use the old stock from a previous company
• B. Verify the cuff pressures every hour to ensure accuracy
• C. Notify the risk manager
• D. Form a peer workgroup to evaluate new products

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Forming a peer workgroup to evaluate new products would be an excellent opportunity for collaboration among peers, management, and the purchasing department. When clinicians are engaged to work toward solutions that address patient care issues, they experience more empowerment and control over their work environments. Choice A is incorrect because using old stock from a previous company does not address the root cause of the faulty transducers from the current company. Choice B is incorrect as verifying cuff pressures every hour does not directly address the issue of faulty transducers. Choice C is less effective than forming a peer workgroup as it involves only notifying the risk manager without involving a collaborative effort to resolve the product issue.

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