Nursing Elites

1. Verbal interventions with an agitated patient may be calming. These interventions include:

• A. Holding and reassuring the patient
• B. Encouraging other staff to distract the patient
• C. Remaining calm and keeping an arm's distance
• D. Standing close to the patient while talking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Remaining calm and keeping an arm's distance. Agitated individuals benefit from minimal verbal and physical stimulation. They respond to their environment based on how nurses interact with them. If an individual feels threatened or cornered, the response will generally be self-protective and reactive. Standing close to the patient (choice D) can be perceived as invasive and may escalate the situation. Holding and reassuring the patient (choice A) may not be effective if the patient perceives it as intrusive. Encouraging other staff to distract the patient (choice B) may introduce unnecessary stimulation. Therefore, the recommended approach is to remain calm and keep a safe distance to provide a non-threatening environment for the agitated patient.

2. An RN�s client with terminal pancreatic cancer asks questions about a do not resuscitate order. Which of the following statements should be included in the RN�s teaching to the client?

• A. When a heart ceases to beat, the client is pronounced clinically dead.
• B. Physicians must write do not resuscitate (DNR) orders.
• C. A DNR order can be written after the health-care provider has discussed it with the client and family.
• D. A DNR requires a court decision.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Clients may request a DNR order, but they need to be fully informed of all the ramifications of the decision. Therefore, the health-care provider will consult with the client and family before the order is written.

3. Which of the following is an example of a sentinel event?

• A. A patient fall with no injury
• B. A medication error that results in no harm
• C. A patient suicide while in a healthcare facility
• D. A near miss incident

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, a patient suicide while in a healthcare facility. A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury. Choices A, B, and D do not meet the criteria for sentinel events as described by The Joint Commission, as they do not involve death or serious harm to the patient.

4. What behaviors can be observed before a person becomes violent? (EXCEPT)

• A. Wandering
• B. Tense shoulders and clenched fists
• C. Blank stare
• D. Positioned with one foot in back and an arm pulled back

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before a person becomes violent, observable behaviors may include tense shoulders, clenched fists, a blank stare, and being positioned with one foot in back and an arm pulled back. Wandering is not typically associated with threatening behaviors signaling imminent violence. DelBel (2003) suggests that strategies such as relaxed body language, maintaining physical distance, and silence can help de-escalate an agitated individual's response.

5. An RN is reviewing professional behavior expectations with a group of new nurses. Which of the following statements should be included in the teaching?

• A. It is not OK to discuss your days at work on social media.
• B. When you are passionate about a topic, speak up in professional platforms.
• C. Your behavior outside of the practice setting can impact your license.
• D. Nurses may lose their licenses for unprofessional actions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement to include in the teaching is that nurses may lose their licenses for unprofessional actions. This is an important reminder to new nurses about the serious consequences of unprofessional behavior in the healthcare field. Choice A is incorrect because discussing work on social media can breach patient confidentiality. Choice B is incorrect as speaking up in blogs and forums may not always align with professional conduct standards. Choice C is incorrect as behavior outside the practice setting, if unprofessional, can indeed impact a nurse's license.

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