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A nurse is taking a morning break with the unit secretary in the nurses' lounge. The unit secretary says to the nurse, 'I read in Mr. Gage's medical record that he has gonorrhea.' How should the nurse respond to the secretary?
- A. Yes, he does, but be sure not to discuss this with anyone else.
- B. Yes, that's why we've imposed contact precautions.
- C. We can't discuss a client's medical condition.
- D. Oh, really? I didn't see that!
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A client's medical condition is confidential and should never be discussed with anyone other than the client and the client's healthcare provider. Therefore, the nurse must tell the unit secretary that the client's condition is not to be discussed. Choices A and B confirm the client's disease, which is inappropriate as it breaches patient confidentiality. Choice D promotes further discussion of the client's condition, which is also inappropriate. The correct response is to firmly state, 'We can't discuss a client's medical condition,' to uphold patient privacy and confidentiality.
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Which of the following provides the framework for confidentiality and the client's right to privacy?
- A. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
- B. CDC Surveillance Programs
- C. American Nurses Association Code of Ethics
- D. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA is the federal statute that outlines client confidentiality and the client's right to privacy. It establishes national standards to protect individuals' medical records and personal health information. The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics emphasizes principles of nursing ethics but does not serve as a legal framework for confidentiality and privacy. CDC Surveillance Programs focus on disease surveillance and control at a public health level and are not directly related to individual client privacy. The durable power of attorney for health care pertains to granting legal decision-making authority to another individual in healthcare matters, rather than addressing confidentiality and privacy rights.
Which action exemplifies the use of evidence-based practice in the delivery of client care?
- A. Advising a client to agree to the treatment recommended by their healthcare provider
- B. Taking a rectal temperature from a client for whom bleeding precautions have been instituted
- C. Donning sterile gloves to change an abdominal wound dressing
- D. Encouraging a client to take an herbal substance to treat their insomnia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Evidence-based practice is an approach to client care where the nurse integrates the client’s preferences, clinical expertise, and the best research evidence to deliver quality care. Donning sterile gloves to change an abdominal wound dressing exemplifies evidence-based practice as it prevents the entrance of harmful bacteria into the wound, following best practice guidelines. The other options do not align with evidence-based practice. Advising a client to agree to a treatment does not involve integrating research evidence. Taking herbal substances may not be supported by strong research evidence and can pose risks. Additionally, rectal temperature-taking in a client with bleeding precautions can increase the risk of injury to the rectal mucosa, not aligning with best practices in care delivery.
Nurse Ann tells nurse Christine that one of her client's status is declining but that she will do her best to juggle her other two clients. Which action is most appropriate?
- A. Nurse Christine should offer to give medications to Nurse Ann's other two clients.
- B. Nurse Christine should inform their supervisor that assignments may need to be changed.
- C. Nurse Christine should ask other nurses who might be able to help Nurse Ann.
- D. Nurse Ann should try not to burden other nurses and continue caring for her assigned clients.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this situation, when Nurse Ann informs Nurse Christine that a client's status is declining and she needs to attend to them, the most appropriate action for Nurse Christine is to inform their supervisor that assignments may need to be changed. By informing the supervisor, necessary adjustments can be made to ensure proper care for all clients. Offering to give medications to Nurse Ann's other two clients (choice A) may not address the underlying issue of a declining client and could lead to a delay in care. Asking other nurses for help (choice C) might not be the most efficient solution, as the supervisor is responsible for reassigning tasks. Nurse Ann continuing to care for all her assigned clients (choice D) may compromise the quality of care provided to the declining client and may spread her too thin, impacting all clients negatively.
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.
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.