Nursing Elites

1. The key to the prevention of a pandemic influenza is:

• A. Early detection
• B. Early antibiotic treatment
• C. Vaccination of at-risk populations
• D. Isolation of suspected cases

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The key to preventing a pandemic influenza is early detection. Detecting influenza cases early allows for timely public health responses to limit the spread of the virus. Early detection helps in implementing measures such as isolation, treatment, and vaccination to prevent the development of a full-blown pandemic. Antibiotics are not effective against influenza viruses, so early antibiotic treatment is not the key to prevention. While vaccination of at-risk populations is important in controlling the spread of influenza, early detection is crucial as it allows for timely implementation of vaccination strategies. Isolation of suspected cases is a containment measure rather than a prevention strategy; the key to prevention lies in early detection to stop the spread before it becomes a pandemic.

2. Which of the following is an example of libel?

• A. A client overhears a nurse telling her assistant that he is 'too high maintenance.'
• B. A client reads disparaging remarks that a nurse has written about him in his chart.
• C. A nurse fails to notify a physician when a client's hemoglobin level is 8.1 gm/dL.
• D. A nurse administers narcotic pain medication to a client in pain but does not have an order.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Libel involves making defamatory statements against another person in written form. These statements can harm the person's reputation or feelings. In this scenario, the correct answer is when a client reads disparaging remarks that a nurse has written about him in his chart. This constitutes libel because the negative remarks are written down and can potentially damage the client's reputation. Choices A, C, and D do not involve libel. Choice A describes a verbal statement, not written, so it does not constitute libel. Choice C involves a failure to notify a physician, which is a different issue unrelated to libel. Choice D pertains to administering medication without an order, which is a matter of improper practice rather than libel.

3. Which method is most appropriate for managing moral distress in the workplace?

• A. Recognizing that life is unfair and nurses cannot meet every need of every client
• B. Declining to act when clients or visitors make requests that are not justifiable
• C. Developing a new policy that would address the problematic situation
• D. Both A and B

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Moral distress involves negative feelings or frustration toward situations that are deemed unfair, unethical, or that cause the nurse to feel helpless in their work. It can lead to nurse burnout when ongoing issues are not resolved. The most appropriate method for managing moral distress is to develop new policies that address the problematic situations. By creating policies, nurses can work towards changing current standards and reducing the number of situations that lead to moral distress. Choices A and B are incorrect because recognizing life's unfairness and not taking action on unjustifiable requests do not actively address the root causes of moral distress or work towards resolving the issues.

4. During a health history assessment of a new patient, which data should be the focus for patient teaching?

• A. Age and gender
• B. Saturated fat intake
• C. Hispanic/Latino ethnicity
• D. Family history of diabetes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is saturated fat intake. Behaviors play a crucial role in health outcomes, and saturated fat intake is a modifiable behavior that can significantly impact a patient's health. By focusing on educating the patient about reducing saturated fat intake, the healthcare provider can empower the patient to make positive changes. While age, gender, ethnicity, and family history are important factors in understanding a patient's health status, they are not behaviors that can be directly modified through patient teaching. Therefore, these factors are essential for developing an individualized care plan but are not the primary focus of patient teaching. Saturated fat intake directly relates to dietary habits, which can be altered through education and support to promote better health outcomes.

5. You are caring for a Hispanic patient who is scheduled for surgery in the morning. A member of the surgery staff is in a hurry when she visits the patient to obtain surgical consent. You know that the patient speaks limited English and can see that he does not really understand what's being said. What is the most appropriate next action?

• A. Call a family member to interpret
• B. Consult the hospital translator to assist
• C. Allow the consent to be signed
• D. Ask the staff member to come back later

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Consulting the hospital translator is the most reliable means of ensuring accuracy in the information that the patient is receiving. Family members can be helpful, but they may have difficulty understanding the medical procedures well enough to explain them accurately and may misinterpret the message. Relying on family members could lead to misunderstandings or miscommunication. Allowing the consent to be signed without ensuring the patient's full understanding could pose risks to the patient's well-being. Asking the staff member to come back later delays the essential communication process needed before surgery. Therefore, consulting the hospital translator is the best course of action to ensure clear and accurate communication, especially in critical healthcare decisions like surgical consent.

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