Nursing Elites

1. When assessing the skin of an immobilized patient, what should the nurse do?

• A. Assess the skin every 4 hours.
• B. Limit the amount of fluid intake.
• C. Use a standardized tool such as the Braden Scale.
• D. Have special times for inspection to not interrupt routine care.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assessing the skin of an immobilized patient, it is essential to use a standardized tool like the Braden Scale. This tool helps in systematically evaluating the patient's risk of developing pressure ulcers. Assessing the skin every 4 hours (Choice A) may be too frequent or unnecessary unless there are specific concerns or orders. Limiting fluid intake (Choice B) is not directly related to skin assessment in an immobilized patient. Having special times for inspection to avoid interrupting routine care (Choice D) is not as crucial as using a standardized tool for consistent and comprehensive skin assessment.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has signs of hemorrhagic shock. When the nurse notifies the surgeon, he directs her to continue measuring the client's vital signs every 15 minutes and call him back in 1 hour. From a legal perspective, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

• A. Document the provider's directive in the medical record
• B. Notify the nursing manager
• C. Consult the facility's risk manager
• D. Complete an incident report

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse is facing a critical situation with a client showing signs of hemorrhagic shock. The surgeon's directive of waiting for an hour without providing immediate intervention poses a risk to the client's well-being. The nurse should prioritize the client's safety and advocate for timely and appropriate care. Notifying the nursing manager is the correct action as it activates the chain of command to ensure that the client receives the necessary care promptly. Documenting the provider's directive, consulting the risk manager, or completing an incident report are not the immediate actions needed to address the client's deteriorating condition and ensure patient safety.

3. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is dividing care for four clients. The nurse should identify which of the following situations as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A client who has a new colostomy refuses to take instructions from the ostomy therapist because she 'doesn't like him.'
• B. A surgeon who removed the wrong kidney during a surgical procedure refuses to take responsibility for her actions.
• C. The family of a client who has a terminal illness asks the provider not to tell the client the diagnosis.
• D. A client who has Crohn's disease reports that his prescription drug plan will not pay for his medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because an ethical dilemma involves conflicting moral principles. In this scenario, the family's request not to disclose the terminal diagnosis to the client raises the moral question of truth-telling and patient autonomy. Choice A does not present an ethical dilemma but rather a challenge in client compliance. Choice B involves professional responsibility and accountability, not an ethical dilemma. Choice D relates to financial concerns and insurance coverage, which do not constitute an ethical dilemma but rather a financial issue.

4. When a client files a lawsuit against an LPN for malpractice, the client must prove that there is a link between the harm suffered and actions performed by the nurse that were negligent. This is known as:

• A. Evidence
• B. Tort discovery
• C. Proximate cause
• D. Common cause

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Proximate cause.' Proximate cause establishes the link between the harm suffered and the negligent actions performed by the nurse. In a malpractice lawsuit, proving proximate cause is essential to demonstrate that the nurse's actions directly led to the harm experienced by the client. Choice A, 'Evidence,' is incorrect as evidence is the information presented to support or refute a claim, not specifically the link between harm and negligence. Choice B, 'Tort discovery,' is incorrect as it does not specifically refer to establishing the link between harm and negligence. Choice D, 'Common cause,' is incorrect as it does not capture the legal concept of proximate cause in establishing liability in malpractice cases.

5. A client is immobile due to a cast, and a nurse is assisting in the use of a fracture bedpan. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Place the shallow end of the fracture pan under the client’s buttocks.
• B. Encourage the client to remain immobile on the fracture pan for 20 minutes.
• C. Keep the bed flat while the client is on the fracture pan.
• D. Hyperextend the client’s back while the fracture pan is in place.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action when using a fracture bedpan for an immobile client is to place the shallow end of the pan under the client's buttocks. This positioning helps in proper collection of feces without causing discomfort or injury. Encouraging the client to try to defecate for 20 minutes (Choice B) is inappropriate and unrealistic, as defecation should not be forced or timed. Keeping the bed flat (Choice C) is incorrect as elevating the head of the bed can help promote proper positioning for bedpan use. Hyperextending the client's back (Choice D) is contraindicated and can lead to discomfort and potential injury to the client.

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