Nokea
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.
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A nurse discovers that another nurse has administered an enema to a client even though the client told the nurse that he did not want one. Which is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
- A. Report the incident to the nursing supervisor
- B. Confront the nurse who gave the enema and inform the nurse that she may face charges of battery
- C. Tell the client that the nurse did the right thing in giving the enema
- D. Contact the client's health care provider
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Battery is any intentional touching of a client without the client's consent, which violates the client's rights. If a nurse discovers such an incident, they should report it to the nursing supervisor. Confronting the nurse and threatening charges of battery could lead to unnecessary conflict. Telling the client that the nurse did the right thing is incorrect as it goes against the client's wishes. While the health care provider may need to be notified eventually, the first step should be reporting the incident to the nursing supervisor to address the violation appropriately.
The nurse manager of a quality improvement program asks a nurse in the neurological unit to conduct a retrospective audit. Which action should the auditing nurse plan to perform in this type of audit?
- A. Checking the crash cart to ensure that all needed supplies are readily available in case of an emergency
- B. Checking the documentation written by a new nursing graduate on her assigned clients at the end of the shift
- C. Reviewing neurological assessment checklists for all clients on the unit to ensure that these assessments are being conducted as prescribed
- D. Obtaining the assigned medical record from the hospital's medical record room to review documentation made during a client's hospital stay
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Quality improvement, also known as performance improvement, focuses on processes contributing to client safety and care outcomes. Retrospective audits involve reviewing medical records after discharge for compliance with standards. Concurrent audits assess staff compliance during a client's stay. Therefore, obtaining the medical record from the hospital's record room for review is crucial in a retrospective audit. Options A, B, and C are more suited for concurrent audits as they involve real-time assessment during a client's stay.
While taking care of a client, the nurse thinks that physical therapy in the hospital might be beneficial to their condition. The following is the ideal referral process EXCEPT?
- A. Transport the client to the physical therapy room for treatment after receiving an official referral.
- B. Provide the physical therapist with the client's medical record after the referral.
- C. Contact the client's primary care provider to suggest a physical therapy referral.
- D. Request the client to self-refer to the physical therapist.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The ideal referral process for a client to receive physical therapy in the hospital starts with the nurse contacting the client's primary care provider to discuss and suggest a physical therapy referral. The primary care provider should provide an official referral, which is crucial for initiating the treatment process. After obtaining the official referral, the nurse should provide the physical therapist with the client's medical record. This step is essential for the therapist to assess the client's condition and customize the treatment plan accordingly. Once the physical therapist is informed and prepared, the nurse can then transport the client to the physical therapy room for treatment. Therefore, the correct sequence is to first contact the primary care provider (Choice C), then provide the medical record (Choice B), and finally transport the client for treatment (Choice A). Choice D, suggesting the client self-refer to the physical therapist, is incorrect as the referral process should involve healthcare professionals to ensure proper assessment and treatment planning.
Which of the following behaviors is least appropriate when dealing with fellow staff members?
- A. Provide positive feedback and constructive criticism
- B. Serve as a resource
- C. Only report conflicts that interfere with client care
- D. Provide input for performance evaluations
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The least appropriate behavior when dealing with fellow staff members is to only report conflicts that interfere with client care. This choice implies ignoring or neglecting other conflicts that may affect team dynamics and the work environment. It is crucial to address and report all conflicts, whether they impact client care directly or not, to maintain a harmonious and effective working relationship within the healthcare setting. Providing positive feedback, constructive criticism, serving as a resource, and offering input for performance evaluations are all important and appropriate behaviors that contribute to a supportive and professional work environment. By focusing solely on conflicts that interfere with client care, essential issues that influence teamwork and overall staff morale may be overlooked, potentially leading to a negative impact on the work environment.
A 51-year-old client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig disease) is admitted to the hospital because his condition is deteriorating. The client tells the nurse that he wants a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The nurse should provide the client with which information?
- A. Oral consent is not sufficient, and the client's request will be honored by all healthcare providers.
- B. Consent must be obtained from the family.
- C. The DNR request should be discussed with the healthcare provider, who will write the order.
- D. The healthcare provider makes the final decision about a DNR request.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a client requests a DNR order, the nurse should contact the healthcare provider so that the provider may discuss the request with the client. A DNR order should be written, not verbal, following agency and state guidelines. Therefore, the correct answer is that the DNR request should be discussed with the healthcare provider, who will write the order. Option A is incorrect as oral consent is not sufficient for a DNR order. Option B is incorrect because the client, not the family, has the authority to request a DNR order. Option D is incorrect because the healthcare provider discusses the request with the client but does not make the final decision.