Nursing Elites

1. You are caring for a patient who has no cognitive functioning but only basic human functions such as opening the eyes and the sleep-wake cycle. What level of consciousness does this patient have?

• A. Obtunded
• B. A persistent vegetative state
• C. Locked-in syndrome
• D. Brain death

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A persistent vegetative state is characterized by the absence of cognitive functioning while basic human functions like the sleep-wake cycle are retained. In this state, the patient shows reflex movements and basic responses to stimuli but lacks awareness or higher mental functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A) Obtunded refers to a decreased level of consciousness, not the absence of cognitive functioning. C) Locked-in syndrome is a condition where the patient is aware and awake but cannot move or communicate due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles except for vertical eye movements and blinking. D) Brain death is the irreversible cessation of all brain activity, including the brainstem, leading to the loss of all functions of the brain.

2. You have just learned that another nurse was fired for taking photographs of patients without their permission using a cell phone and posting them on Facebook. This nurse was fired because the nurse had:

• A. Violated the law
• B. Acted in a negligent manner
• C. Not completed the proper documentation
• D. Violated an ethical principle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Violated the law. Taking and sharing patient photographs without consent is a violation of patient privacy laws, hence the nurse was fired for breaking the law. Choice B, acting in a negligent manner, is incorrect as the nurse's actions were intentional and not due to negligence. Choice C, not completing proper documentation, is unrelated to the situation described. Choice D, violating an ethical principle, is not specific enough as the primary reason for the nurse's termination was the legal breach regarding patient privacy.

3. Which of the following is a key benefit of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare?

• A. Increased professional isolation
• B. Improved patient outcomes
• C. Reduced need for communication
• D. Longer treatment times

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Improved patient outcomes are a key benefit of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare. Collaboration among healthcare professionals leads to better coordination of care, reduced medical errors, and improved overall patient satisfaction. The other choices are incorrect because interprofessional collaboration aims to decrease professional isolation, enhance communication among team members, and streamline treatment processes to reduce time spent on patient care.

4. A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who is unconscious following a motor-vehicle crash. The client requires immediate surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Transport the client to the operating room without verifying informed consent
• B. Ask the anesthesiologist to sign the consent
• C. Obtain telephone consent from the facility administrator before the surgery
• D. Delay the surgery until the nurse can obtain informed consent

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In emergency situations where a client is unconscious and requires immediate surgery, implied consent applies. Implied consent allows healthcare providers, including nurses, to proceed with necessary treatment or surgery without formally verifying informed consent. Choice A is correct because the priority in this scenario is to ensure the client receives timely medical intervention to address life-threatening conditions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because in emergencies, waiting to obtain formal consent can delay critical treatment, risking the client's health and well-being.

5. Select the stage of viral hepatitis that is accurately paired with its characteristic(s).

• A. The prodromal stage: Jaundice begins
• B. The icteric stage: Flu-like symptoms occur
• C. The pre-icteric stage: Elevated urine bilirubin levels
• D. The post-icteric stage: Jaundice and dark urine occur

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The post-icteric stage of viral hepatitis is accurately described as the stage where jaundice and dark urine occur due to the accumulation of bilirubin. The resolution of jaundice and normalization of urine color are seen in this stage. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. In the prodromal stage, symptoms like fatigue and malaise appear before jaundice. The icteric stage is characterized by jaundice, not flu-like symptoms. The pre-icteric stage does not typically involve elevated urine bilirubin levels, as this occurs after the icteric stage.

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