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A patient has a DNR (do-not-resuscitate) order but their family insists on resuscitation if necessary. What should the nurse do?
- A. Follow the family's wishes to resuscitate.
- B. Explain that the nurse must follow the DNR order.
- C. Ask the provider for clarification on the DNR.
- D. Call the ethics committee to discuss the situation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse must follow the legal DNR order, even if the family insists on resuscitation. Respecting the patient's wishes is crucial in providing ethical care. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse should prioritize the patient's documented wishes over the family's requests. Choice C may cause unnecessary delays in care as the DNR order is a legal document. Choice D is not the initial action to take in this situation; the nurse should first address the conflict between the family's wishes and the patient's DNR order.
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A patient is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the nurse's immediate action?
- A. Assist the patient into a high Fowler's position.
- B. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula.
- C. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths and cough.
- D. Assess the patient's lung sounds.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Administering oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula is the immediate action for a patient experiencing shortness of breath. This intervention helps to improve oxygenation and relieve respiratory distress promptly. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position (choice A) may also be beneficial but providing oxygen takes precedence in this scenario to address the underlying hypoxemia. Encouraging deep breaths and coughing (choice C) may not be appropriate as the first action, especially without assessing the patient first. Assessing lung sounds (choice D) is essential but should follow the initial intervention of administering oxygen.
What is the nurse's priority intervention for a patient who has developed a pressure ulcer?
- A. Apply a dressing to the ulcer.
- B. Reposition the patient every 2 hours.
- C. Provide the patient with pain medication.
- D. Clean the ulcer with normal saline.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to reposition the patient every 2 hours. Repositioning helps prevent the worsening of pressure ulcers by relieving pressure on affected areas and promoting blood circulation, which aids in healing. Applying a dressing (choice A) is important but not the priority compared to repositioning. Providing pain medication (choice C) is essential for comfort but does not address the root cause of the pressure ulcer. Cleaning the ulcer with normal saline (choice D) is part of wound care but does not take precedence over repositioning to prevent further tissue damage.
A nurse notices that a colleague has an odor of alcohol while on duty. What is the most appropriate action?
- A. Speak to the colleague in private.
- B. Report the behavior to the nurse manager immediately.
- C. Confront the colleague directly on the floor.
- D. Do nothing and document the situation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reporting the behavior to the nurse manager immediately is the most appropriate action when a nurse suspects a colleague of being impaired while on duty. This is crucial to ensure patient safety and maintain a professional and safe work environment. Speaking to the colleague in private may not address the issue effectively and could potentially put patients at risk if the colleague is indeed impaired. Confronting the colleague directly on the floor may lead to a confrontation and is not the most professional way to handle the situation. Doing nothing and documenting the situation without taking immediate action can jeopardize patient safety and is not an appropriate response when substance use is suspected.
A patient with a urinary tract infection (UTI) requires treatment. What is the most appropriate intervention?
- A. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake.
- B. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
- C. Recommend the patient take over-the-counter pain relievers.
- D. Encourage the patient to limit physical activity.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer antibiotics as prescribed. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for urinary tract infections as they help eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. Encouraging the patient to increase fluid intake (Choice A) is a supportive measure to help flush out the bacteria but doesn't directly treat the infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers (Choice C) may help with discomfort but do not address the underlying infection. Limiting physical activity (Choice D) may be recommended for some conditions but is not the primary intervention for treating a UTI.
A patient with heart failure has gained 5 pounds in the last 3 days. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Restrict the patient's fluid intake.
- B. Monitor the patient's daily weight.
- C. Administer diuretics as prescribed.
- D. Increase the patient's salt intake to promote fluid balance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the patient's daily weight. In heart failure, sudden weight gain indicates fluid retention, which can worsen the condition. Monitoring daily weight helps in early detection of fluid accumulation, allowing timely intervention. Restricting fluid intake (choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority at this point. Administering diuretics (choice C) should be done based on healthcare provider orders, not the nurse's independent decision. Increasing salt intake (choice D) is contraindicated in heart failure as it can exacerbate fluid retention.