Nursing Elites

1. A health care provider writes a medication prescription in a client's record. While transcribing the prescription, the nurse notes that the prescribed dose is three times higher than the recommended dose. The nurse calls the health care provider, who states that this is the dose that the client takes at home and that it is acceptable for this client's condition. What is the appropriate action for the nurse to take?

• A. Verifying the prescribed dose with the client before administering the medication
• B. Contacting the nursing supervisor
• C. Asking the nurse assigned to care for the client to administer the medication
• D. Continuing to transcribe the prescription

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse has identified a significant discrepancy between the prescribed dose and the recommended dose. While the health care provider has justified the higher dose based on the client's home regimen, the nurse's primary responsibility is to ensure patient safety. If a nurse has concerns about a prescription being incorrect or potentially harmful, they should seek further clarification from the health care provider. Since the nurse still believes the dose is inappropriate after discussing with the health care provider, the next appropriate action is to contact the nursing supervisor. Continuing to transcribe the prescription without addressing the concern could jeopardize the client's safety. Asking another nurse to administer the medication without proper resolution of the dosage concern would also pose a risk to the client. While verifying the prescribed dose with the client is important, in this situation, the nurse should first escalate the issue to the nursing supervisor to ensure appropriate actions are taken.

2. A client is having an abortion in a women's clinic, and the nurse caring for the client does not think the reasoning is appropriate. The nurse asks, "Are you sure you want to do this? It can't be undone. Have you read about your other options? Adoption is always a good choice."? The client states she understands all options and is comfortable with her choice. The nurse nods and leaves the room to discuss the procedure with the physician. Which client right did the nurse violate with her actions?

• A. the client's right to make personal health decisions without interference, as the nurse tried to sway the client's decision-making and healthcare choice in the direction of not having an abortion
• B. the client's right to be left alone without unsolicited attention, as the nurse inserted herself in the client's healthcare scenario and offered uninvited advice
• C. the client's right to confidentiality, as the nurse is talking to the physician about the client and the abortion
• D. the client's right to respectful care, as the nurse clearly made it known that she did not approve of the abortion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A client has the right to make decisions about their healthcare without interference from healthcare team members. In this scenario, the nurse violated the client's right to make personal health decisions without interference by trying to influence the client's decision-making and healthcare choice in the direction of not having an abortion. It is essential for healthcare providers to respect patients' autonomy and decisions, regardless of personal beliefs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the primary violation in this situation is related to the client's right to make their own healthcare decisions without interference.

3. While working the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift at the long-term care unit, the nurse gathers the nursing staff to listen to the 3 to 11 p.m. intershift report. The nurse notes that a staff member has an odor of alcohol on her breath, slurred speech, and an unsteady gait, suspecting alcohol intoxication. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

• A. Contact the nursing supervisor.
• B. Tell the staff member that she is not allowed to administer medications.
• C. Ask the staff member how much alcohol she has consumed.
• D. Ask the staff member to rest in the nurses' lounge until the effects of the alcohol wear off.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a staff member reports to work showing signs of alcohol intoxication, the nurse should objectively note the symptoms and ask a second person to confirm these observations. It is crucial to contact the nursing supervisor immediately. An odor of alcohol, slurred speech, unsteady gait, and errors in judgment are indicators of intoxication, posing a risk to client safety. The staff member should be removed from the client care area. Detailed documentation of the incident is essential, including observations, actions taken, future plans, and the staff member's signature and date on the recorded incident memo. If the staff member refuses to sign, this should be noted by the nurse and a witness. Asking the staff member to rest in the nurses' lounge or restricting medication administration does not ensure client safety, as the staff member could still jeopardize it. Inquiring about the amount of alcohol consumed is confrontational and not relevant to the immediate need of ensuring safety.

4. To remove hard contact lenses from an unresponsive client, what should the nurse do?

• A. Gently irrigate the eye with an irrigating solution from the inner canthus outward
• B. Grasp the lens with a gentle pinching motion
• C. Don sterile gloves before attempting the procedure
• D. Ensure that the lens is centered on the cornea before gently manipulating the lids to release the lens

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When removing hard contact lenses from an unresponsive client, the nurse should ensure that the lens is centered on the cornea before gently manipulating the lids to release the lens. This approach helps prevent scratching the cornea. Gently maneuvering the upper and lower eyelids assists in loosening the lens for easy removal. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because irrigating the eye, grasping the lens, or wearing sterile gloves are not recommended methods for removing hard contact lenses. It is crucial to handle the situation delicately to avoid causing harm or discomfort to the client.

5. A nurse is supervising a new nursing graduate in various procedures. Which action by the new nursing graduate constitutes a negligent act?

• A. Giving a verbal report to the nurse on the oncoming shift
• B. Checking neurological signs in a client with a head injury
• C. Contacting a healthcare provider about a change in a client's blood pressure
• D. Using clean gloves to change a gastrostomy tube dressing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Negligent acts in nursing include various errors that can harm the client, such as medication errors, intravenous therapy errors, burns, falls, failure to use aseptic technique, failure to provide adequate monitoring, and failure to report significant changes in a client's condition. In this scenario, using clean gloves to change a gastrostomy tube dressing is a negligent act because sterile gloves should be used when changing a dressing over broken skin. Choices A, B, and C are not negligent acts as they involve appropriate nursing actions: giving a verbal report, checking neurological signs, and contacting a healthcare provider about a change in a client's blood pressure.

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