Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following best describes the nurse's responsibility in obtaining informed consent?

• A. The nurse is responsible for ensuring that the patient understands the procedure and has the opportunity to ask questions.
• B. The nurse should ensure that the patient signs the consent form before the procedure begins.
• C. The nurse is responsible for witnessing the patient sign the consent form and documenting the event.
• D. The nurse should delegate the task of obtaining informed consent to another healthcare provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Informed consent is a process where the healthcare provider, in this case, the nurse, ensures that the patient understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives before they agree to it. The nurse plays a crucial role in facilitating this understanding by explaining the information in a clear and understandable manner and providing the patient with the opportunity to ask questions. Choice B is incorrect because merely obtaining the patient's signature on the consent form does not ensure that the patient truly understands what they are consenting to. Choice C is not fully accurate as the nurse's role goes beyond just witnessing the signature; it involves actively ensuring the patient's comprehension. Choice D is incorrect as the responsibility of obtaining informed consent should not be delegated to another healthcare provider, as it is the nurse's duty to ensure proper communication and understanding with the patient.

2. Which of the following ethical principles is demonstrated when a nurse provides truthful information to a patient?

• A. Veracity
• B. Autonomy
• C. Justice
• D. Nonmaleficence

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Veracity. Veracity is the ethical principle of truthfulness and honesty in communication. When a nurse provides truthful information to a patient, it demonstrates integrity and respect for the patient's right to know the truth about their health condition and treatment. Choice B, Autonomy, refers to respecting the patient's right to make their own decisions. Choice C, Justice, involves fairness and equality in healthcare decisions. Choice D, Nonmaleficence, relates to the obligation to do no harm and prevent harm to the patient.

3. A client with diabetes mellitus is scheduled for surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following preoperative actions?

• A. Administer a full dose of insulin before surgery
• B. Hold all oral hypoglycemic agents the day before surgery
• C. Monitor blood glucose levels closely before surgery
• D. Instruct the client to avoid all fluids the morning of surgery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring blood glucose levels closely before surgery is the priority for a client with diabetes mellitus. This allows for early detection of any abnormalities and helps prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia complications that can arise during the perioperative period. Option A is incorrect because insulin dosing should be individualized based on the client's current blood glucose levels and the surgical plan. Option B is incorrect as abruptly holding oral hypoglycemic agents can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Option D is incorrect as adequate fluid intake is important for the client's hydration status and overall well-being before surgery.

4. An external insulin pump is prescribed for a client with DM. The client asks the nurse about the functioning of the pump. The nurse bases the response on the information that the pump:

• A. Gives small continuous doses of regular insulin subcutaneously, and the client can self-administer a bolus with an additional dosage from the pump before each meal.
• B. Is timed to release programmed doses of regular or NPH insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals.
• C. Is surgically attached to the pancreas and infuses regular insulin into the pancreas, which in turn releases the insulin into the bloodstream.
• D. Continuously infuses small amounts of NPH insulin into the bloodstream while regularly monitoring blood glucose levels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. An external insulin pump delivers small continuous doses of regular insulin subcutaneously throughout the day to meet the basal insulin needs. The client can also self-administer a bolus dose with an additional dosage from the pump before each meal to cover the mealtime insulin needs. Option B is incorrect as insulin pumps do not typically release programmed doses of insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals; instead, they infuse insulin subcutaneously. Option C is incorrect as insulin pumps are not surgically attached to the pancreas; they are worn externally. Option D is incorrect as NPH insulin is not commonly used in insulin pumps, and the pumps do not continuously infuse insulin directly into the bloodstream but rather subcutaneously.

5. Why have recent polls placed nursing as one of the most trusted professions?

• A. Nurses engage in lifelong learning.
• B. Nurses abide by a dress code.
• C. Nurses have the skills needed to care for diverse populations.
• D. Nurses must pass the NCLEX in order to obtain a license to practice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Recent polls have identified nursing as one of the most trusted professions primarily because nurses possess the essential skills required to provide care to diverse populations. This includes cultural competence, empathy, effective communication, and clinical expertise. Choice A, engaging in lifelong learning, is indeed an important aspect of nursing practice; however, it is not the primary reason for the high level of trust placed in nurses. Choice B, abiding by a dress code, is a professional conduct issue and not directly linked to the trustworthiness of nurses. Choice D, passing the NCLEX exam for licensure, is a regulatory requirement and does not directly contribute to the trust placed in nurses by the public.

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