A nurse on a med-surg unit is providing care for four clients. The nurse should identify which of the following situations as an ethical dilemma?
- A. A surgeon who removed the wrong kidney during a surgical procedure refuses to take responsibility for her actions
- B. A client who has a new colostomy refuses to follow instructions from the ostomy therapist because she 'doesn't like him'
- C. The family of a client who has a terminal illness asks that the provider not disclose the diagnosis to the client
- D. A client who has Crohn's disease reports that his prescription drug plan will not cover his medications
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. It is an ethical dilemma when the family of a client with a terminal illness asks healthcare providers not to inform the client of their diagnosis. This situation poses a conflict between respecting the client's right to know the truth about their condition (autonomy and truth-telling principles) and honoring the family's wishes. Choices A, B, and D do not present ethical dilemmas. Choice A involves professional accountability and responsibility, Choice B involves a client's personal preference, and Choice D involves financial challenges.
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When lifting a bedside cabinet to move it closer to a client who is sitting in a chair, which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent self-injury?
- A. Bend at the waist
- B. Keep feet close together
- C. Use back muscles for lifting
- D. Stand close to the cabinet when lifting it
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to stand close to the cabinet when lifting it. This action keeps the object close to the nurse's center of gravity, reducing the risk of back strain. Bending at the waist (Choice A) can increase the risk of back injury as it puts strain on the lower back. Keeping feet close together (Choice B) does not provide a stable base of support for lifting a heavy object. Using back muscles for lifting (Choice C) is incorrect as it can lead to back strain and injury. Therefore, standing close to the cabinet when lifting it is the safest and most effective approach to prevent self-injury.
A client reports insomnia. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform shortly before bedtime?
- A. Provide a late supper
- B. Offer a wet washcloth for the client to wash their face
- C. Perform range of motion exercises
- D. Prepare a hot cocoa or tea for the client
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Offering a wet washcloth for the client to wash their face is a soothing and calming activity that can help the client relax before bedtime, promoting better sleep. Providing a late supper can lead to indigestion and disrupt sleep. Performing range of motion exercises may increase alertness rather than promoting relaxation. Preparing a hot cocoa or tea containing caffeine close to bedtime can interfere with falling asleep.
A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who reports diarrhea and decreased urination for 4 days. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to assess the client's skin turgor?
- A. Grasp a skin fold on the chest under the clavicle, release it, and note whether it springs back
- B. Pinch the skin on the back of the hand and observe for elasticity
- C. Assess the skin turgor on the abdomen by pinching the skin
- D. Check the skin turgor by pressing on the forearm and observing the rebound
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To assess skin turgor, the nurse should grasp a skin fold on the chest under the clavicle, release it, and note whether it springs back. This method is preferred for older adults and in cases of significant fluid imbalance. Option B is incorrect as assessing skin turgor on the back of the hand is not the standard assessment site for skin turgor. Option C is incorrect as the abdomen is not the typical area for assessing skin turgor; the chest under the clavicle is a more accurate site. Option D is incorrect as pressing on the forearm is not the appropriate site for evaluating skin turgor; the chest under the clavicle is the recommended location for this assessment.
A client is demonstrating postoperative deep breathing and coughing exercises to a client who will have emergency surgery for appendicitis. Which of the following statements indicates a lack of readiness to learn by the client?
- A. The client reports severe pain
- B. The client asks for a demonstration
- C. The client inquires about potential complications
- D. The client agrees to the procedure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because severe pain can hinder the client's ability to participate effectively in learning. Pain can be distracting and may prevent the client from focusing on acquiring new information or skills. Choice B is incorrect because asking for a demonstration shows an interest in learning and readiness to understand the exercises. Choice C is incorrect as inquiring about potential complications indicates the client's engagement in understanding the procedure and its outcomes, demonstrating readiness to learn. Choice D is incorrect as agreeing to the procedure does not necessarily reflect a lack of readiness to learn. The client may still be open to receiving information about postoperative care, indicating a level of readiness to learn despite agreeing to the surgery.
A client's infusion of normal saline infiltrated earlier today, and approximately 500 ml of saline infused into the subcutaneous tissue. The client is now complaining of excruciating arm pain and demanding 'stronger pain medications.' What initial action is most important for the LPN/LVN to take?
- A. Ask about any past history of drug abuse or addiction.
- B. Measure the pulse volume and capillary refill distal to the infiltration.
- C. Compress the infiltrated tissue to measure the degree of edema.
- D. Evaluate the extent of ecchymosis over the forearm area.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important initial action for the LPN/LVN to take in this situation is to measure the pulse volume and capillary refill distal to the infiltration. This assessment helps evaluate the severity of the infiltration and the circulation in the affected arm. Asking about past history of drug abuse or addiction (Choice A) is not the priority when addressing acute arm pain and infiltration. Compressing the infiltrated tissue (Choice C) may exacerbate the pain and is not recommended as the first step. Evaluating the extent of ecchymosis (Choice D) is not as critical as assessing the circulation in the affected arm, which is better addressed by measuring pulse volume and capillary refill.