A client is refusing to undergo any more treatments in the hospital and wants to leave against medical advice. When the nurse requests the client to sign an AMA order, the client refuses and leaves. What is the next action of the nurse?
- A. Call security to hold the client until he signs the order
- B. Notify the physician to convince the client to stay
- C. Speak with the client's spouse to persuade him to stay
- D. Allow the client to leave and document the refusal in his chart
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse cannot force the client to stay in the hospital to receive treatment or to sign an AMA order. It is essential to respect the client's autonomy and decision-making capacity. While involving security or pressuring the client through the physician or spouse may seem like options, they are not appropriate in this situation. The nurse should allow the client to leave if they are competent to make that decision, document the refusal in the client's chart to ensure all actions are appropriately documented, and follow institutional policies for patients leaving against medical advice.
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A nurse is performing an end-of-shift count of narcotics kept in the locked cabinet. The narcotic log states there should be 26 oxycodone pills left, but there are only 24 in the drawer. What is the first action of the nurse?
- A. Perform the count again
- B. Contact the pharmacy to determine if the narcotic log is incorrect
- C. Check with the last nurse to sign out narcotics from the system
- D. Notify the house supervisor that narcotic medications are missing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The first action the nurse should take in this situation is to perform the count again. This step is crucial to ensure there was no miscount during the initial check. By verifying the count, the nurse can confirm if there is indeed a discrepancy in the number of oxycodone pills. Contacting the pharmacy, checking with the last nurse, or notifying the house supervisor should only be considered after ensuring the count is accurate. It's important to rule out any human error before escalating the issue to others.
A nurse is asked to perform a task that she believes is outside her scope of practice. What is the appropriate response to this issue?
- A. Contact the state board of nursing licensure to report the offense
- B. Review the state scope of practice standards for nurses
- C. Ask another nurse to perform the task to learn the procedure
- D. Contact the house supervisor to make the decision on whether the nurse should perform the task
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When faced with a task that a nurse believes may be beyond their scope of practice, it is essential to refer to the state's specific scope of practice standards for nurses. This step is crucial as these standards can vary between states, providing clarity on what tasks are permissible. By reviewing these standards, the nurse can determine if the task falls within their scope of practice. Contacting the state board of nursing licensure to report the offense (Choice A) is premature and should only be considered if there is a serious violation after reviewing the scope of practice. Asking another nurse to perform the task (Choice C) does not address the issue of clarifying the scope of practice. Contacting the house supervisor (Choice D) may be necessary if the nurse cannot determine the appropriateness of the task based on the scope of practice standards.
Which of the following is an example of a living will?
- A. A client's son has been appointed to make his healthcare decisions if he becomes incapacitated
- B. A client has designated which of his children will receive his home and property before he dies
- C. A client has instructions that he does not want to be resuscitated through chest compressions if his heart stops beating
- D. A client designates what type of burial or cremation services he would want after his death
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A living will is a type of advanced directive that a client develops to stipulate his preferences for healthcare in the event that he is unable to do so. This includes specific instructions about medical treatments in certain situations. Choice C is the correct answer as it reflects a scenario where the client has clearly outlined their preference regarding resuscitation through chest compressions. Choices A, B, and D do not pertain to a living will. Choice A involves a healthcare proxy or agent, choice B involves a will or estate planning, and choice D involves funeral or burial arrangements, which are not part of a living will.
According to HIPAA, which of the following is considered an individual right for privacy of a client's protected health information?
- A. The right to receive a copy of the organization's privacy practices
- B. The right to receive medical bills for care received
- C. The right to change personal health information
- D. An understanding that protected health information will only be used in regards to client treatments
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: According to HIPAA, individuals receiving care at healthcare facilities have rights surrounding their protected health information. One of these rights is to receive a copy of the organization's privacy practices, which outlines how their health information will be used and protected. This ensures transparency and allows individuals to understand how their information is handled. The other choices are incorrect because while individuals have the right to access their health information, receive explanations of how it is used, and ensure its confidentiality, receiving medical bills or changing personal health information are not specifically outlined as rights related to the privacy of protected health information.
Examples of preservation of self-integrity include all of the following except:
- A. Using assistive equipment to move bariatric clients
- B. Participating in wellness programs
- C. Accepting the challenge of caring for clients with oppositional beliefs or practices
- D. Using hand hygiene and personal protective equipment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Preservation of self-integrity involves actions that support the nurse's well-being and ethical standards. Using assistive equipment to move bariatric clients and practicing hand hygiene and personal protective equipment are essential aspects of maintaining physical health and safety, contributing to self-care. Participating in wellness programs further enhances self-care by promoting overall well-being. However, accepting the challenge of caring for clients with oppositional beliefs or practices can be emotionally taxing and may compromise a nurse's self-integrity if it leads to significant moral distress or ethical conflicts. In such situations, it is important for nurses to prioritize their well-being and ethical values by seeking alternative solutions or support.