Nursing Elites

1. A nurse manager works in a setting where projections for the future include a more diverse ethnic mix of older adults. Which action will the nurse manager take?

• A. Recruit multilingual nurses.
• B. Request volunteers for the ethics committee.
• C. Develop nurses' cultural competence.
• D. Teach nurses about a variety of religious practices.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nurses working in a setting with a diverse ethnic mix will need to exhibit cultural competence. Thus, the nurse manager should work to develop cultural competence in nursing staff. Developing nurses' cultural competence involves understanding and respecting the beliefs, values, and practices of different cultural groups, which is essential for providing effective care. Recruiting multilingual nurses could be beneficial, but cultural competence goes beyond language skills to encompass a deeper understanding of cultural nuances. Teaching nurses about a variety of religious practices is important for a holistic approach to care, but focusing solely on religious practices may not fully address the diverse cultural needs of older adults. Ethical dilemmas may not be directly related to the projected increase in diversity, so requesting volunteers for the ethics committee does not directly address the need for cultural competence in caring for a more diverse ethnic mix of older adults.

2. A gerontological nurse is conducting an in-service program for a group of nurses who work with a wide range of culturally diverse older adults. After teaching the group about the impact of culture on health and illness, the nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the group identifies which reason as underlying the need to understand culture?

• A. Ensure that clients receive the respect customary in their own ethnic group
• B. Provide individualized and culturally sensitive care
• C. Ensure that medical treatments align with cultural expectations
• D. Increase compliance among minority clients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because understanding the impact of culture on health and illness enables nurses to provide individualized and culturally sensitive care to older adults from diverse backgrounds. This approach ensures that the cultural, religious, and sexual orientation differences of older adults are acknowledged, respected, and factored into their care. Choice A is not as comprehensive as B, as the goal goes beyond just respecting customary practices. Choice C, while important, is more focused on medical treatments rather than holistic care. Choice D is not the primary reason for understanding culture; the main goal is to provide personalized care that respects individual differences.

3. A nurse at a rehabilitation center is preparing a care plan for a 71-year-old post-stroke patient who has shown significant improvement in function and who is ready to return to the community. In the nurse's efforts to mobilize family caregiving, which of the following statements provides the most accurate criterion for inclusion in the category of 'family'?

• A. The patient's spouse, biological children, and closest friends
• B. Any unpaid person who has expressed sincere interest in the patient's condition and provided hands-on care since his admission to the facility
• C. Anyone who self-identifies as being a member of the patient's family
• D. Any individual who fulfills the patient's family functions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most accurate criterion for inclusion in the category of 'family' when mobilizing family caregiving is identifying individuals who fulfill family functions. Choice D is the correct answer as it emphasizes the importance of individuals who perform essential family functions for the patient. This criterion is crucial as it prioritizes the practical support and care provided by individuals over biological relationships (Choice A), self-identification (Choice C), or willingness to provide care (Choice B), which may not always translate to fulfilling necessary family functions.

4. Nurse M obtains a signature on an informed consent form from Mr. Y, who is later shown to have a fluctuating level of mental competency. In this case, what is Nurse M's most likely legal position?

• A. Freedom from liability because Mr. Y signed the form
• B. Possibly liable for a violation of Mr. Y's rights
• C. Liable unless a malpractice insurance policy is in effect
• D. Not liable because no family member had a durable power of attorney

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An informed consent may be considered invalid if the patient does not fully understand what he or she is signing. Patients with a fluctuating level of mental function are incapable of granting legally sound consent. Nurse M could be held liable for a violation of Mr. Y's rights as he did not have the capacity to provide informed consent. The presence of an insurance policy and the legal status of family members are irrelevant in this context and do not absolve Nurse M of potential liability.

5. An investigation into reports of substandard care on the subacute geriatric unit of a hospital has been undertaken. Which of the following events is representative of malpractice on the part of the nursing staff?

• A. A client with a documented history of seizures was left with his bed raised and with bedrails not in place, resulting in a fall and head injury
• B. A client was sent for a colonoscopy, after which it was learned that the client had never given written consent for the procedure
• C. A client with a diagnosis of vascular dementia was found wandering in the hall outside the unit
• D. An immobile client was not turned over the course of a night shift and developed a pressure ulcer on her coccyx

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Answer A is correct as it includes all the components of malpractice: duty, negligence, and injury. The nursing staff failed in their duty by leaving a client with a documented history of seizures unattended with bedrails not in place, resulting in a fall and head injury. Answer B involves an issue related to consent, which is the responsibility of the physician, not the nursing staff. Answer C does not demonstrate negligence or harm caused by the nursing staff. Answer D also shows negligence by failing to turn an immobile client, leading to a pressure ulcer, but it lacks a direct connection to the duty of the nursing staff in preventing harm.

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