A client scheduled for a left mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection is wearing a wedding band on her left ring finger. The nurse should take which action?
- A. Tape the wedding band in place
- B. Ask the client to sign a release freeing the hospital of responsibility if the wedding band is lost during surgery
- C. Explain to the client why the wedding band must be removed
- D. Ask the client whether she would like to remove the wedding band or wear it to surgery
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In most situations, a wedding band may be taped in place and worn during a surgical procedure. However, if there is a possibility that the client will experience swelling of the hand or fingers, the wedding band should be removed. On admission to a healthcare facility, the client is usually asked to sign a form that releases the agency from responsibility if a client's valuables are lost. After a mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, the client is at risk for lymphedema, which can result in swelling of the arm and hand on the affected side. Therefore, the appropriate nursing action is to ask the client to remove the wedding band and explain why. This ensures the client's safety and prevents potential complications. Option A is incorrect because taping the wedding band may not be sufficient if swelling occurs. Option B is incorrect as it does not address the immediate need to remove the wedding band. Option D is incorrect because it fails to provide the client with the necessary information about the potential risks of wearing the wedding band during surgery.
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A health care provider informs a nurse that the husband of an unconscious client with terminal cancer will not grant permission for a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The health care provider tells the nurse to perform a 'slow code' and let the client 'rest in peace' if she stops breathing. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Telling the health care provider that the client would probably want to die in peace
- B. Telling the health care provider that if the client stops breathing, the health care provider will be called before any other actions are taken
- C. Telling the health care provider that all of the nurses on the unit agree with this plan
- D. Telling the health care provider that 'slow codes' are not acceptable
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse may not violate a family's request regarding the client's treatment plan. A 'slow code' is not acceptable, and the nurse should state this to the health care provider. The definition of a 'slow code' varies among health care facilities and personnel and could be interpreted as not performing resuscitative procedures as quickly as a competent person would. Resuscitative procedures that are performed more slowly than recommended by the American Heart Association are below the standard of care and could therefore serve as the basis for a lawsuit. The other options are inappropriate: Option A is speculative and does not address the issue directly; Option B does not challenge the unethical practice of a 'slow code'; Option C is irrelevant and does not address the ethical concerns raised by the health care provider's request.
During a hospital program about in vitro fertilization, a television crew arrives to film for a series on hospital services. What action should the nurse conducting the program take?
- A. Ask the television crew to interview the individuals attending the program individually.
- B. Allow the television crew to videotape the program as long as they do not publicize that the program is about in vitro fertilization.
- C. Explain to the television crew that videotaping is not allowed.
- D. Allow the television crew to videotape the program.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Privacy is a client's right to be free from unwanted intrusion into their private affairs. Videotaping constitutes an invasion of a client's privacy, and written permission is required from the client for actions such as photographing or videotaping. Therefore, the nurse must explain to the television crew that videotaping is not allowed to protect the attendees' privacy. Option A is incorrect as it still involves recording the individuals, breaching their privacy. Option B is incorrect because allowing videotaping without consent violates privacy rights. Option D is incorrect as it disregards the need for consent and privacy protection.
A client with leukemia is being considered for a bone marrow transplant. The healthcare team is discussing the risks and benefits of this treatment and other possible treatments with the goal of inflicting the least possible harm on the client. Which principle of healthcare ethics is the team practicing?
- A. Fidelity
- B. Nonmaleficence
- C. Autonomy
- D. Justice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is the principle of avoiding harm. In healthcare ethics, practitioners aim not only to do good but also to ensure they do no harm. In this scenario, the healthcare team is discussing treatment options with the intention of inflicting the least harm on the client. Choice A, Fidelity, refers to keeping promises made to clients, families, and healthcare professionals. Choice C, Autonomy, pertains to respecting a person's independence and right to make decisions. Choice D, Justice, involves fairness, equity, and the fair allocation of resources, such as healthcare services.
During shift change, a nurse is giving report to the oncoming LPN. Which of these is an inappropriate way to give shift report?
- A. The nurse gives report to the oncoming LPN, checking a wound vac and dressing together.
- B. The nurse reports in SBAR format, noting that the client was noncompliant with their diet during the shift.
- C. The nurse reports in the hallway, in SBAR format, and alerts the oncoming LPN about how rude the client was throughout the shift.
- D. The nurse reports at bedside with the oncoming LPN and discusses the client's concerns after the chart has been reviewed.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'The nurse reports in the hallway, in SBAR format, and alerts the oncoming LPN about how rude the client was throughout the shift.' This choice is inappropriate because shift report should be given at the bedside, in SBAR format, and in an objective way. It is important to maintain professionalism and focus on the client's condition and care needs, rather than personal opinions or subjective comments. Reporting in the hallway may compromise patient privacy and confidentiality. Choices A, B, and D demonstrate appropriate ways of giving shift report by focusing on relevant information, using SBAR format, and discussing client concerns after reviewing the chart, which promotes effective communication and continuity of care.
A nurse on the night shift is making client rounds. When the nurse checks a client who is 97 years old and has successfully been treated for heart failure, he notes that the client is not breathing. If the client does not have a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, the nurse should take which action?
- A. Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- B. Call the client's health care provider
- C. Administer oxygen to the client and call the health care provider
- D. Contact the nursing supervisor for directions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the appropriate action when a client is not breathing and does not have a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. CPR is considered an emergency treatment that can be provided without client consent in life-threatening situations. Calling the health care provider or nursing supervisor for directions, as well as administering oxygen without addressing the lack of breathing, would delay critical life-saving interventions. Therefore, administering CPR is the most urgent and necessary action to perform in this scenario.