Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following statements most accurately captures an aspect of contemporary family caregiving in the United States?

• A. Women typically spend more time caring for aging parents than they did for their own children.
• B. The most common pattern of care involves an older man providing in-home care for his wife.
• C. The majority of care is now provided by public and private agencies rather than family members.
• D. A residential or institutional environment is now the most common venue for caregiving.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Today, on average, women spend more time providing care for their aging parents than they did for their own children. While some men provide care for their wives, it is not the most common pattern. Family members, rather than public or private agencies, still provide the majority of care in a non-institutional environment, making option C incorrect. Also, caregiving in a residential or institutional environment is not the most common venue, thus choice D is inaccurate.

2. How can the nurse best respond to this situation?

• A. The nurse should accept that the relationship plays a positive role for the man.
• B. The nurse should organize a family meeting that includes both the children and the man's partner in an effort to facilitate reconciliation.
• C. The nurse should document the children's concerns and investigate the truth of their claims.
• D. The nurse should ask the partner to demonstrate that she is not a negative influence on the resident.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should respect the father's perspective and accept that the relationship with his common-law partner may indeed be positive and beneficial for him. The nurse's role is to support the patient's autonomy and decisions, especially when there are no legal concerns or signs of abuse. Organizing a family meeting (Choice B) might be premature without first acknowledging the father's viewpoint. Documenting concerns and investigating (Choice C) may create unnecessary conflict and breach the father's trust. Asking the partner to prove herself (Choice D) could strain the relationship further and is not within the nurse's role unless there are clear signs of harm or abuse.

3. Which of the following is a matter of public, not private, law?

• A. Wrongful acts against another party
• B. Invasion of a patient's privacy
• C. Assault and battery on a patient
• D. Licensing of a home health agency

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Licensing of a home health agency.' Public law governs relationships between private parties and the government, such as licensing requirements for entities like home health agencies. Choices A, B, and C involve private law, which governs relationships between individuals and organizations. These choices pertain to wrongful acts against another party, invasion of privacy, and assault and battery, respectively.

4. What might a nurse suggest to help the grown children make the most of their limited incomes and time with their parents?

• A. Help them find nearby spots for picnics or other free outings
• B. Refer the family to a more appropriate practitioner
• C. Suggest they take out a second mortgage on the family house
• D. Encourage the entire family to participate in activities at Haven

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A nurse, as a caring worker, may suggest helping the grown children find nearby spots for picnics or other free outings. This suggestion would allow the parents to get out of the facility and enjoy quality time with their children without any financial burden. While the family may also want to participate in activities at the facility, a picnic would provide a change of scenery. Referring the family to a more appropriate practitioner is not relevant to improving the limited incomes and time spent with the parents. Suggesting to take out a second mortgage on the family house could provide temporary financial relief but may not be the most suitable solution for maximizing time spent with the parents.

5. Nurse B arrives for his regular night shift at a care facility for the aged. Due to a family emergency, he has only slept for 3 hours since his last shift. One of Nurse B's aides calls in sick, and there is no one available to replace the aide that night. With no help accessible, Nurse B lifts an obese patient from a wheelchair into a bed alone. Short on time and assistance, Nurse B decides to forgo the patient's evening bath. Legally, what does Nurse B most likely face?

• A. Little risk of liability because he is doing his best under difficult circumstances
• B. Immediate termination for dereliction of duty
• C. Liability if a pattern of negligence is identified in his performance evaluation
• D. A high risk of liability for his actions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, Nurse B faces a high risk of liability for his actions due to several factors. Working with insufficient resources, failing to adhere to policies and procedures, taking shortcuts, and working while highly stressed are all situations that increase the risk of liability. Nurse B's decision to lift an obese patient without assistance and skip the patient's evening bath due to time constraints and lack of help are clear examples of actions that can lead to legal consequences. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the circumstances described in the scenario indicate a higher likelihood of liability due to the factors mentioned above.

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