Nursing Elites

1. A health care provider informs a nurse that the husband of an unconscious client with terminal cancer will not grant permission for a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The health care provider tells the nurse to perform a 'slow code' and let the client 'rest in peace' if she stops breathing. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Telling the health care provider that the client would probably want to die in peace
• B. Telling the health care provider that if the client stops breathing, the health care provider will be called before any other actions are taken
• C. Telling the health care provider that all of the nurses on the unit agree with this plan
• D. Telling the health care provider that 'slow codes' are not acceptable

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse may not violate a family's request regarding the client's treatment plan. A 'slow code' is not acceptable, and the nurse should state this to the health care provider. The definition of a 'slow code' varies among health care facilities and personnel and could be interpreted as not performing resuscitative procedures as quickly as a competent person would. Resuscitative procedures that are performed more slowly than recommended by the American Heart Association are below the standard of care and could therefore serve as the basis for a lawsuit. The other options are inappropriate: Option A is speculative and does not address the issue directly; Option B does not challenge the unethical practice of a 'slow code'; Option C is irrelevant and does not address the ethical concerns raised by the health care provider's request.

2. To what does legal protection of confidentiality extend?

• A. Written documentation only.
• B. Electronic dissemination of information not identifiable to a specific client.
• C. Only within the court system.
• D. Both written and verbal information.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Legal protection of confidentiality extends to both written and verbal information that is identifiable as individual private health information. Confidentiality in healthcare settings is vital to protect patients' privacy and trust. Choice A is incorrect because legal protection covers verbal information as well, not just written documentation. Choice B is incorrect as it mentions information not identifiable to a specific client, which wouldn't fall under legal protection of confidentiality. Choice C is incorrect as confidentiality extends beyond just the court system, impacting various healthcare settings and interactions. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

3. A client with which of the following conditions is at risk for developing a high ammonia level?

• A. renal failure
• B. psoriasis
• C. lupus
• D. cirrhosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A client with cirrhosis is at risk for developing a high ammonia level due to impaired liver function. The liver normally converts ammonia into urea for excretion. In cirrhosis, this process is compromised, leading to elevated ammonia levels in the blood. Renal failure, psoriasis, and lupus do not typically cause high ammonia levels. Renal failure affects kidney function, while psoriasis and lupus are autoimmune conditions that do not directly impact ammonia metabolism.

4. A nurse is planning task assignments for the day. Which task should the nurse assign to the nursing assistant?

• A. Suctioning a client who requires periodic suctioning
• B. Assessing a client who has undergone an arteriogram and requires close monitoring
• C. Performing colostomy irrigation on a client with an ostomy
• D. Assisting a client who needs frequent ambulation with a walker

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When delegating tasks, a nurse must consider the staff member's education and competency level. Noninvasive tasks like helping a client ambulate with a walker are usually suitable for nursing assistants. Suctioning a client and colostomy irrigation are invasive procedures that require a licensed nurse's skills. Assessing a client post-arteriogram for any complications or changes in condition also necessitates the expertise of a licensed nurse. Therefore, the most appropriate task to assign to a nursing assistant is assisting a client who needs frequent ambulation with a walker.

5. When a physician removes a chest tube, which type of dressing is recommended to be placed over the site?

• A. transparent dressing
• B. colloidal dressing
• C. petrolatum gauze
• D. nonadherent dressing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Petrolatum gauze is recommended to be placed over the site when a physician removes a chest tube because it forms an airtight seal, helping prevent air from entering the pleural space. This airtight seal is crucial to avoid complications such as a pneumothorax. Transparent dressing is not ideal for this purpose as it may not provide a sufficient seal due to its design. Colloidal dressing and nonadherent dressing are also not suitable for chest tube removal sites as they do not offer the same level of protection against air leakage and may not provide the necessary sealing properties.

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