Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A client is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Which of the following assessments would the nurse expect to be consistent with this problem?

• A. Chest pain
• B. Pallor
• C. Inspiratory crackles
• D. Heart murmur

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inspiratory crackles are a common finding in patients with congestive heart failure due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, leading to crackling sounds during inspiration. Chest pain (Choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like angina or myocardial infarction and is not a typical symptom of congestive heart failure. Pallor (Choice B) is a general symptom of various conditions and not specific to congestive heart failure. While a heart murmur (Choice D) may be heard in some cases of congestive heart failure, it is not as consistent as inspiratory crackles in indicating the condition.

3. The nurse is caring for an adult who has fluid volume excess. When weighing the client, the nurse should:

• A. Weigh the client upon rising
• B. Weigh the client at different times of the day
• C. Weigh the client after meals
• D. Weigh the client weekly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Weighing the client upon rising is the correct approach when caring for a client with fluid volume excess. Weighing the client in the morning upon rising provides a consistent and accurate measure of weight, as it helps to eliminate the influence of daily fluctuations that can occur throughout the day. Weighing at different times of the day (choice B) may lead to inconsistent measurements due to variations in food intake, hydration status, and other factors. Weighing the client after meals (choice C) can also lead to inaccurate readings as food and fluid intake can affect weight. Weighing the client weekly (choice D) is not frequent enough to monitor changes in weight accurately for a client with fluid volume excess.

4. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will avoid eating foods high in vitamin K.
• B. I will take my medication at the same time every day.
• C. I will use a soft toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding.
• D. I can take aspirin if I have a headache.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'I can take aspirin if I have a headache.' This statement indicates a need for further teaching because aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding in clients taking warfarin. Clients on warfarin therapy should avoid taking aspirin or other medications that increase the risk of bleeding. Choices A, B, and C are correct statements that show understanding of warfarin therapy, such as the importance of avoiding foods high in vitamin K, taking medication consistently, and using a soft toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer multiple medications to a client who has an enteral feeding tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Dissolve each medication in 5 mL of sterile water.
• B. Draw up each medication separately in the syringe.
• C. Push the syringe plunger gently if feeling resistance.
• D. Flush the tube with 15 mL of sterile water.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take when administering multiple medications to a client with an enteral feeding tube is to flush the tube with 15-30 mL of sterile water before and between medications, and 30-60 mL after the last medication. This helps prevent clogging and ensures each medication is delivered effectively. Choice A is incorrect as medications should not be dissolved in water for administration through an enteral feeding tube. Choice B is incorrect because each medication should be drawn up and administered separately to prevent any potential interactions. Choice C is incorrect as resistance while pushing the plunger may indicate a problem that needs to be addressed before continuing with the administration.

Similar Questions