Why might nurses not be the best choice to obtain informed consent from patients?
- A. Nurses may be tempted to influence the patient's decision in subtle ways.
- B. Nurses may not be able to answer some of the medical questions the patient asks.
- C. A signature obtained by anyone other than a physician will not stand up in court.
- D. Under the law, nurses are only allowed to act as witnesses to informed consent signatures.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nurses may not have the medical expertise to answer all the questions that patients may have regarding their treatment, which is a crucial aspect of obtaining informed consent. While nurses should not influence a patient's decision, it is not a major reason why they should not obtain informed consent. Signatures obtained by nurses are legally binding, and although nurses often act as witnesses, there is no legal restriction preventing them from obtaining informed consent itself.
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A nurse is performing a health history on a client who identifies as Native American/First Nations. Based on familial history and racial disparities, for which health issue should the nurse prepare to monitor in this client?
- A. autoimmune disorders
- B. heart disease
- C. Alzheimer's disease
- D. lung cancer
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: heart disease. Heart disease is a major health issue among Native American/First Nations populations, along with diabetes, malignant neoplasm, and unintentional injuries, contributing to a decreased lifespan. Autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and lung cancer are not the primary health concerns that the nurse should monitor for in this client. By understanding the prevalent health issues in this population, the nurse can provide targeted care and interventions to promote better health outcomes.
A nurse who works in an inner-city clinic provides care for a large number of older black clients. Which health promotion activity best reflects the specific health needs of this population?
- A. A blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring program
- B. An education session on the positive health effects of good nutrition
- C. A screening mammography campaign for older black women
- D. A program that teaches black men the importance of prostate health screening
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Diabetes and hypertension are prevalent among older black adults. Regular blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring are crucial in managing these conditions. While education on good nutrition, screening mammography, and prostate health screening are important health promotion activities, they do not directly address the specific health needs of this population. Therefore, a blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring program would best reflect the health needs of the older black clients in this inner-city clinic.
During a home visit, a nurse notes that an 80-year-old female patient's blood pressure is 166/99 despite the recent introduction of a diuretic to her medication regimen. The patient admits that her son refuses to give her the diuretic because it has precipitated incontinence episodes and states, 'He gets so furious when I soil myself.' What action should the nurse prioritize in this potential case of elder abuse?
- A. Improving or salvaging the family dynamics
- B. Teaching the son why his actions are inappropriate
- C. Initiating legal action
- D. Taking measures to protect the patient's safety
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this potential case of elder abuse, the nurse's priority should be taking measures to protect the patient's safety. The patient's health and well-being are at risk due to the son's refusal to administer the diuretic, which can lead to serious health complications. While improving family dynamics (choice A), educating the son (choice B), and legal actions (choice C) may be necessary in the long run, the immediate concern is ensuring the patient's safety and well-being.
How might the nursing home's social worker help Ms. O's friends in visiting her?
- A. The social worker should defer to the nursing staff
- B. Help her friends find easier transportation
- C. Tell her to make friends at the dialysis center
- D. Ask other residents' families to bring her friends with them
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ms. O's friends, who are elderly and cannot drive, ride buses to visit her. The social worker can help by finding easier transportation options for them. Not having family around, friends' visits can significantly impact Ms. O's well-being. It may be challenging for the friends to ask for help themselves, so the social worker can reach out to volunteer groups for assistance. Making friends at the dialysis center might not be feasible due to the nature of treatments. Asking other residents' families to bring her friends could burden them further and might deter them from helping. It's important to consider the friends' convenience and emotional support for Ms. O.
Which of the following family interactions would the nurse most likely interpret as being atypical?
- A. Mr. R states that he and his brother always had a cordial, though somewhat distant, relationship but that they are now quite close.
- B. Mrs. D describes being a grandparent as 'having all the benefits of having children without the headaches and responsibilities.'
- C. Mr. and Mrs. N had a tumultuous relationship for decades but now appear more at ease with one another.
- D. Mr. A states that his ideal living situation would be himself and his adult son and daughter all under the same roof.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. While marital reconciliation, rekindled relationships with siblings, and satisfaction in the role of grandparent are common phenomena among older adults, it is less common for parents and children to see cohabitation as an ideal situation or first preference. Choices A, B, and C reflect common positive family dynamics experienced by older adults, such as improved relationships with siblings, contentment in the grandparent role, and easing of marital tensions over time. On the other hand, choice D stands out as atypical as it suggests an unconventional living arrangement where adult children live with their parent, which is less commonly preferred by older adults.