Nursing Elites

1. A nurse in the emergency department is preparing to care for a client who arrived via ambulance. The client is disoriented and has a cardiac arrhythmia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Proceed with treatment without obtaining written consent
• B. Contact the client's next of kin to obtain consent for treatment
• C. Have the client sign a consent for treatment
• D. Notify risk management before initiating treatment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In emergency situations where a client is disoriented and has a cardiac arrhythmia, obtaining written consent may not be possible due to the urgency of the situation. The priority is to provide immediate treatment to ensure patient safety. Contacting the next of kin or having the client sign a consent form would cause unnecessary delays in providing critical care. Notifying risk management before initiating treatment is not the most appropriate action when dealing with a time-sensitive situation like a cardiac arrhythmia.

2. How do the public view nurses today?

• A. Nurses are assistants to physicians.
• B. Nurses view the person within the family and community.
• C. Nurses are different from other health-care providers.
• D. Nurses are closely involved in shaping the health care of the future.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Nurses are assistants to physicians.' The public image of nurses, as portrayed by the media, often positions them as assistants to physicians. This perception stems from historical depictions and the traditional hierarchy within healthcare settings. Choice B is incorrect because it reflects how nurses perceive their patients, not how the public views nurses. Choice C is incorrect as nurses are part of the broader healthcare team but are not seen as fundamentally different from other healthcare providers by the public. Choice D is incorrect as while nurses play a crucial role in shaping healthcare, the public perception often focuses more on their supportive role in the healthcare system.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a left leg below-the-knee amputation. Which of the following client statements indicates the potential need for a referral to an occupational therapist?

• A. I hope I can adjust to using crutches while I am recovering.
• B. I am worried about taking care of my toddler at home.
• C. I just don't think I can handle looking at my leg.
• D. I am not sure how I will pay for all the therapy I will need.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client's statement about adjusting to using crutches while recovering suggests a potential need for occupational therapy referral. Occupational therapists assist individuals in regaining independence in activities of daily living, including mobility aids and adaptations. Choices B, C, and D are more indicative of emotional or financial concerns and may require referrals to other healthcare professionals like counselors or financial advisors, rather than occupational therapists.

4. A hospice nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and reports severe pain. After the nurse administers the prescribed opioid and benzodiazepine, the client becomes somnolent and difficult to arouse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Withhold the benzodiazepine but continue the opioid
• B. Contact the provider about replacing the opioid with an NSAID
• C. Administer the benzodiazepine but withhold the opioid
• D. Continue the medication dosages that relieve the client's pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to contact the provider about replacing the opioid with an NSAID. In this scenario, the client is experiencing excessive sedation after the administration of both opioid and benzodiazepine. Switching to a non-opioid analgesic like an NSAID can help manage pain effectively without causing additional sedation. Option A is incorrect because continuing the opioid may exacerbate sedation. Option C is incorrect as administering the benzodiazepine may further increase sedation. Option D is incorrect because maintaining the current medication dosages that are causing excessive sedation is not in the client's best interest.

5. Which of the following healthcare providers can legally have access to all, or part, of a patient's medical record because they have a 'need to know'? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Student nurses caring for a particular patient
• B. Registered nurses when they are not caring for a particular patient
• C. The Vice President for nursing who is investigating a patient fall
• D. Licensed practical nurses caring for a particular patient

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Student nurses, licensed practical nurses, the Vice President for nursing investigating a fall, and quality assurance nurses have a 'need to know' basis to access patient records. Registered nurses who are not directly involved in the care of a patient do not have a legitimate reason or 'need to know' to access that patient's medical records, making choice B the correct answer. The Vice President for nursing investigating a specific incident and licensed practical nurses directly involved in a patient's care have legitimate reasons to access the medical records, ensuring continuity and quality of care.

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