Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. In which of the following situations does the nurse demonstrate the ethical principle of veracity?

• A. A client unaware of her recent cancer diagnosis asks the nurse if she has cancer, and the nurse responds affirmatively.
• B. The nurse avoids discussing the client's diagnosis to prevent emotional distress.
• C. The nurse provides a vague answer about the client's condition.
• D. The nurse promises to provide information only if it is requested by the client.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Veracity involves telling the truth, a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare. In this scenario, the nurse demonstrates veracity by responding honestly when the client directly asks about her cancer diagnosis. Choice B is incorrect as avoiding discussing the diagnosis to prevent emotional distress does not align with veracity and transparency. Choice C is incorrect as providing a vague answer does not uphold the principle of truthfulness. Choice D is incorrect because promising to provide information only upon client request does not address the immediate question about the cancer diagnosis and lacks transparency.

2. When should discharge planning for a patient admitted to the neurological unit with a diagnosis of stroke begin?

• A. At the time of admission
• B. The day before the patient is to be discharged
• C. When outpatient therapy is no longer needed
• D. As soon as the patient's discharge destination is known

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Discharge planning for a patient admitted to the neurological unit with a stroke diagnosis should begin at the time of admission. Initiating discharge planning early allows for a comprehensive assessment of the patient's needs, enables better coordination of care, and ensures a smooth transition from the hospital to the next level of care. Option B is incorrect because waiting until the day before discharge does not provide enough time for adequate planning. Option C is incorrect because waiting until outpatient therapy is no longer needed delays the planning process. Option D is incorrect because waiting until the discharge destination is known may result in rushed planning and inadequate preparation for the patient's needs.

3. A client has been on bed rest for several weeks. Which finding should the nurse identify as the priority during assessment?

• A. Musculoskeletal weakness
• B. Loss of appetite
• C. Increased heart rate during physical activity
• D. Left lower extremity tenderness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize assessing left lower extremity tenderness as it could indicate deep vein thrombosis, a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Musculoskeletal weakness, loss of appetite, and increased heart rate during physical activity are important but not as critical as a potential thrombotic event that could lead to life-threatening complications. Deep vein thrombosis is a common risk for individuals on prolonged bed rest due to reduced mobility and blood stasis.

4. While a client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Monitor the client's blood glucose level every 4 hours.
• B. Change the TPN tubing every 72 hours.
• C. Weigh the client daily.
• D. Change the TPN bag every 24 hours.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action is to change the TPN bag every 24 hours to reduce the risk of infection. Changing the TPN tubing every 72 hours (Choice B) may increase the risk of contamination. Monitoring the client's blood glucose level every 4 hours (Choice A) is important but not specific to TPN administration. Weighing the client daily (Choice C) is essential for monitoring fluid status but is not directly related to TPN administration.

5. An elderly male client who is unresponsive following a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) is receiving bolus enteral feedings through a gastrostomy tube. What is the best client position for the administration of bolus tube feedings?

• A. Prone.
• B. Fowler's.
• C. Sims'.
• D. Supine.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Fowler's position. Placing the client in Fowler's position, with the head of the bed elevated to 45-60 degrees, reduces the risk of aspiration during bolus enteral feedings by facilitating the flow of the feeding into the stomach. Prone position (choice A) is lying face down, which is not suitable for feeding. Sims' position (choice C) is a side-lying position used for rectal examinations or enemas, not for feeding. Supine position (choice D) is lying flat on the back and is not optimal for reducing the risk of aspiration during bolus tube feedings.

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