Nursing Elites

1. A Hispanic patient complains of abdominal cramping caused by empacho. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Ask the patient what treatments are likely to help
• B. Massage the patient's abdomen until the pain subsides.
• C. Administer prescribed medications to decrease the cramping
• D. Offer to contact a curandero(a) for a visit to the patient

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a Hispanic patient presents with abdominal cramping related to empacho, it is crucial for the nurse to first understand the patient's cultural beliefs and preferences before initiating any interventions. In the case of a culture-bound syndrome like empacho, it is essential to acknowledge and respect the patient's cultural background. While options like administering medications, arranging a visit by a curandero(a), or providing massage may have potential benefits, assessing the patient's beliefs ensures that interventions are culturally sensitive and aligned with the patient's values. By engaging the patient in a discussion about potential treatments, the nurse can gather valuable information to tailor care effectively, promoting trust and collaboration in the healthcare process. This patient-centered approach enhances the quality of care and fosters a culturally competent nursing practice. Therefore, asking the patient about preferred treatments is the most appropriate initial action to address the patient's condition effectively.

2. A community hospital is opening a mental health services department. Which document should the nurse use to develop the unit's nursing guidelines?

• A. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• B. ANA Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements
• C. ANA's Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice
• D. Patient's Bill of Rights of 1990

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct document the nurse should use to develop the unit's nursing guidelines for the mental health services department is ANA's Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice. This document specifically outlines the philosophy and standards of nursing practice, including psychiatric nursing. Option A, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and option D, the Patient's Bill of Rights of 1990, focus on client rights and legal protections rather than nursing practice guidelines. Option B, the ANA Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements, provides ethical guidelines for nursing practice but does not specifically address the development of nursing guidelines for a mental health services department.

3. Before assessing a new patient, a nurse is told by another healthcare worker, "I know that patient. No matter how hard we work, there isn't much improvement by the time of discharge."? The nurse's responsibility is to:

• A. document the other worker's assessment of the patient.
• B. assess the patient based on data collected from all sources.
• C. validate the worker's impression by contacting the patient's significant other.
• D. discuss the worker's impression with the patient during the assessment interview

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient based on data collected from all sources. It is important for the nurse to gather information from various sources to form an objective assessment. Biased assessments by others should be evaluated as objectively as possible by the nurse, considering the potential impact of counter-transference. Documenting the other worker's assessment (Choice A) may be necessary for thorough documentation but should not influence the nurse's independent assessment. Validating the worker's impression by contacting the patient's significant other (Choice C) may not provide an accurate representation of the patient's condition. Discussing the worker's impression with the patient during the assessment interview (Choice D) can introduce bias and may not lead to an objective evaluation.

4. When the health care provider diagnoses metastatic cancer and recommends a gastrostomy for an older female client in stable condition, the son tells the nurse that his mother must not be told the reason for the surgery because she 'can't handle' the cancer diagnosis. Which legal principle is the court most likely to uphold regarding this client's right to informed consent?

• A. The family cannot provide the consent required in this situation as the older adult is capable of making decisions.
• B. The son cannot waive informed consent for the client since there is no evidence of mental incompetence.
• C. The court will not allow the health care provider to make the decision to withhold informed consent under therapeutic privilege.
• D. If informed consent is withheld from a client, health care providers could be found guilty of negligence.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Health care providers may be found guilty of negligence, specifically assault and battery, if they carry out a treatment without the client's consent. The client's condition is stable, so the family cannot provide consent without her involvement, making option A incorrect. There is no evidence of mental incompetence in the client, so the son cannot waive informed consent, making option B incorrect. While therapeutic privilege may have been accepted in the past, it is unlikely to be upheld by today's courts, making option C incorrect. It is crucial for health care providers to obtain informed consent from clients before proceeding with any treatment to avoid legal consequences and uphold ethical standards.

5. After a client has a spontaneous abortion at 12 weeks' gestation, the nurse notes that both she and her partner are visibly upset and crying. Which statement would be a therapeutic response?

• A. 'I'll be here if you want to talk.''
• B. 'Try to relax"?it'll speed up the healing process.''
• C. 'With any luck, you'll get pregnant again soon.''
• D. 'It's best that this happened early rather than having the baby die after it was born.''

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A therapeutic response in this situation is to offer support and empathy. Saying, 'I'll be here if you want to talk' gives the client and her partner the opportunity to express their emotions and seek comfort. It acknowledges their distress and assures them of the nurse's availability. Choice B, advising to relax to speed up the healing process, dismisses their current emotions and may hinder open communication. Choice C, suggesting getting pregnant again soon, minimizes their grief over the loss and may not be what the couple needs to hear at that moment. Choice D, stating it's best that the miscarriage happened early, is insensitive as it invalidates the couple's feelings of loss and grief. Grieving is a natural process, and the timing of the loss does not diminish its significance.

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