Nursing Elites

1. A small amount of bubbling is seen in the water seal of a pleural drainage system when a client coughs. What should the nurse do?

• A. Consider it a normal finding.
• B. Check the system for leaks.
• C. Clamp the chest tube.
• D. Change the drainage system.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A small amount of bubbling is a normal finding in the water seal of a pleural drainage system when a client coughs. It is only a problem to find continuous, excessive bubbling in the water seal, which indicates a leak. Checking the system for leaks would be appropriate if there is continuous, excessive bubbling. Clamping the chest tube or changing the drainage system is not necessary in response to a small amount of bubbling during a cough, as this is considered a normal finding.

2. A health care provider informs a nurse that the husband of an unconscious client with terminal cancer will not grant permission for a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The health care provider tells the nurse to perform a 'slow code' and let the client 'rest in peace' if she stops breathing. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Telling the health care provider that the client would probably want to die in peace
• B. Telling the health care provider that if the client stops breathing, the health care provider will be called before any other actions are taken
• C. Telling the health care provider that all of the nurses on the unit agree with this plan
• D. Telling the health care provider that 'slow codes' are not acceptable

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse may not violate a family's request regarding the client's treatment plan. A 'slow code' is not acceptable, and the nurse should state this to the health care provider. The definition of a 'slow code' varies among health care facilities and personnel and could be interpreted as not performing resuscitative procedures as quickly as a competent person would. Resuscitative procedures that are performed more slowly than recommended by the American Heart Association are below the standard of care and could therefore serve as the basis for a lawsuit. The other options are inappropriate: Option A is speculative and does not address the issue directly; Option B does not challenge the unethical practice of a 'slow code'; Option C is irrelevant and does not address the ethical concerns raised by the health care provider's request.

3. The laws enacted by states to provide immunity from liability to persons who provide emergency care at an accident scene are called:

• A. Good Samaritan laws.
• B. HIPAA.
• C. Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA).
• D. OBRA.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Good Samaritan laws. These laws protect individuals who provide voluntary emergency care from being held liable for any unintended injury or harm that may occur during the care. Good Samaritan laws encourage individuals to assist in emergencies without fear of legal repercussions. HIPAA, on the other hand, focuses on safeguarding patient information and privacy, ensuring confidentiality. The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) pertains to a patient's rights to make decisions about their medical treatment and advance directives. OBRA, enacted in the late 1980s, aims to improve the quality of care in nursing homes and enhance residents' quality of life, focusing on nursing home reform and standards, which is not directly related to immunity for emergency care providers.

4. A client scheduled for a left mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection is wearing a wedding band on her left ring finger. The nurse should take which action?

• A. Tape the wedding band in place
• B. Ask the client to sign a release freeing the hospital of responsibility if the wedding band is lost during surgery
• C. Explain to the client why the wedding band must be removed
• D. Ask the client whether she would like to remove the wedding band or wear it to surgery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In most situations, a wedding band may be taped in place and worn during a surgical procedure. However, if there is a possibility that the client will experience swelling of the hand or fingers, the wedding band should be removed. On admission to a healthcare facility, the client is usually asked to sign a form that releases the agency from responsibility if a client's valuables are lost. After a mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, the client is at risk for lymphedema, which can result in swelling of the arm and hand on the affected side. Therefore, the appropriate nursing action is to ask the client to remove the wedding band and explain why. This ensures the client's safety and prevents potential complications. Option A is incorrect because taping the wedding band may not be sufficient if swelling occurs. Option B is incorrect as it does not address the immediate need to remove the wedding band. Option D is incorrect because it fails to provide the client with the necessary information about the potential risks of wearing the wedding band during surgery.

5. A client is having an abortion in a women's clinic, and the nurse caring for the client does not think the reasoning is appropriate. The nurse asks, "Are you sure you want to do this? It can't be undone. Have you read about your other options? Adoption is always a good choice."? The client states she understands all options and is comfortable with her choice. The nurse nods and leaves the room to discuss the procedure with the physician. Which client right did the nurse violate with her actions?

• A. the client's right to make personal health decisions without interference, as the nurse tried to sway the client's decision-making and healthcare choice in the direction of not having an abortion
• B. the client's right to be left alone without unsolicited attention, as the nurse inserted herself in the client's healthcare scenario and offered uninvited advice
• C. the client's right to confidentiality, as the nurse is talking to the physician about the client and the abortion
• D. the client's right to respectful care, as the nurse clearly made it known that she did not approve of the abortion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A client has the right to make decisions about their healthcare without interference from healthcare team members. In this scenario, the nurse violated the client's right to make personal health decisions without interference by trying to influence the client's decision-making and healthcare choice in the direction of not having an abortion. It is essential for healthcare providers to respect patients' autonomy and decisions, regardless of personal beliefs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the primary violation in this situation is related to the client's right to make their own healthcare decisions without interference.

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