Nokea
An 81-year-old female client has presented to the emergency department accompanied by her daughter with whom she lives. The daughter states that her mother has experienced a recent series of falls, which have resulted in her facial and arm bruises. The client smells of urine and is noticeably emaciated, unkempt, and anxious while the daughter berates her during the nurse's assessment. What is the nurse's responsibility in this situation?
- A. Determine the daughter's legal status with regard to her mother's financial affairs
- B. Report suspected elder abuse
- C. Establish whether the client has a durable power of attorney in place
- D. Obtain medical records regarding prior admissions for similar problems
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In cases of suspected elder abuse, the nurse is responsible for reporting his or her suspicions to the relevant authorities. In this scenario, the signs of elder abuse are evident, such as the client's bruises, unkempt appearance, and the daughter's behavior. Determining the daughter's legal status or the client's power of attorney are not immediate priorities when abuse is suspected. Obtaining medical records for prior admissions is also not the primary concern in this situation.
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A gerontological nurse is providing care at a local community health center that serves large black American and white American older adult populations. The nurse is working to develop culturally appropriate programs to meet each group's health needs and notes differences in health status between the groups. Which reason would the nurse most likely identify as accounting for the differences between the populations?
- A. High incidence of violent crime and sexually transmitted diseases in the black population
- B. Reliance on family for health care advice and rejection of formal service agencies in the white population
- C. Cultural preference for unconventional medical treatments like herbal remedies in the white population
- D. Lower standard of living and less access to health care services in the black population
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Black older adults historically possess many health problems that have accumulated over a lifetime due to a poor standard of living and limited access to health care services. Option A is incorrect because it presents stereotypes about the black population that are not supported by evidence. Option B is incorrect because it generalizes the behavior of the white population without a strong basis. Option C is incorrect as it also generalizes the white population and does not address the disparities in health status between the two groups.
Which of the following is required in order for a healthcare provider to be legally justified in not attempting to save a client's life?
- A. A 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) statement on the patient's care plan
- B. A 'No-Code' sign or symbol placed at the patient's bedside
- C. A 'No-Code' order written and signed on the physician's order sheet
- D. The next of kin's request for 'Do Not Resuscitate' orally or in writing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To legally justify not attempting to save a client's life, a healthcare provider must have a 'No-Code' order written and signed on the physician's order sheet. Unless there is a specific order stating that resuscitation should not be performed, failure to do so can be considered negligence. A 'Do Not Resuscitate' statement on the care plan or a symbol at the bedside is not legally valid without the proper medical order. Additionally, a request from the next of kin, whether oral or written, is not a substitute for a signed physician's order.
An investigation into reports of substandard care on the subacute geriatric unit of a hospital has been undertaken. Which of the following events is representative of malpractice on the part of the nursing staff?
- A. A client with a documented history of seizures was left with his bed raised and with bedrails not in place, resulting in a fall and head injury
- B. A client was sent for a colonoscopy, after which it was learned that the client had never given written consent for the procedure
- C. A client with a diagnosis of vascular dementia was found wandering in the hall outside the unit
- D. An immobile client was not turned over the course of a night shift and developed a pressure ulcer on her coccyx
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Answer A is correct as it includes all the components of malpractice: duty, negligence, and injury. The nursing staff failed in their duty by leaving a client with a documented history of seizures unattended with bedrails not in place, resulting in a fall and head injury. Answer B involves an issue related to consent, which is the responsibility of the physician, not the nursing staff. Answer C does not demonstrate negligence or harm caused by the nursing staff. Answer D also shows negligence by failing to turn an immobile client, leading to a pressure ulcer, but it lacks a direct connection to the duty of the nursing staff in preventing harm.
A nurse is providing care for an older adult client who has been admitted to the hospital with liver cirrhosis. The client has expressed to the nurse his concerns that the details of his condition and treatment remain confidential, and that written documentation not 'get out there.' How can the nurse best respond to the client's concerns?
- A. Anything that is discussed between us is confidential and will not be shared with anyone else.
- B. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ensures that your medical records will not leave this hospital.
- C. Provided you signed a directive on admission, your records will not be made public.
- D. The law protects your right to confidentiality and protects your health information from being released into unintended hands.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that protects individuals' right to confidentiality and safeguards health information from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. Assuring the client that the law protects their right to confidentiality and prevents their health information from being released into unintended hands is the best response. Choice A is too broad and may not cover all aspects of confidentiality. Choice B only mentions medical records staying within the hospital, which does not address the client's concern about written documentation. Choice C incorrectly implies that a signed directive is needed for confidentiality, which is not true under HIPAA regulations.
A nurse is determining ways to address ethnic diversity among clients being provided care. Which action would be the most direct way for the nurse to do this?
- A. Explain how cultural backgrounds influence health beliefs and practices.
- B. Provide culturally sensitive care that respects clients' traditions.
- C. Listen to the life stories of clients to understand their cultural influences.
- D. Participate in cultural competency training and workshops.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Listening to the life stories of clients is an effective way for nurses to understand the cultural influences that shape their beliefs and practices. By actively listening, nurses can gain insight into the clients' backgrounds, values, and preferences, allowing them to provide more personalized and culturally sensitive care. Choices A, B, and D are not as direct as listening to the life stories of clients. While explaining how cultural backgrounds influence health beliefs and practices is important, directly listening to clients' life stories provides a deeper understanding of their individual cultural influences.