An RN cared for a state senator during the day shift. Later that day he was having dinner with friends when the news mentioned the senator had been hospitalized. The RN’s friends asked if he knew what was wrong with the senator. Which ethical principle should the RN consider when replying?
- A. Fidelity
- B. Confidentiality
- C. Veracity
- D. Accountability
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Confidentiality. The RN should consider confidentiality when replying to his friends about the senator's condition. By maintaining confidentiality, the RN upholds the trust and privacy of the senator's medical information. Sharing such information breaches the ethical duty to protect patient privacy.
A: Fidelity pertains to being faithful and loyal to one's commitments, not directly related to this situation.
C: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty, but in this case, maintaining confidentiality takes precedence over disclosing the truth to friends.
D: Accountability involves taking responsibility for one's actions, which is not the primary ethical principle at play in this scenario.
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An RN enters a patient’s room to place an indwelling urinary catheter, as ordered by the health-care professional. The client is alert and oriented and tells the RN he wants to leave the hospital now and not receive further treatment. Which of the following actions by the RN would be considered false imprisonment?
- A. The RN tells the client he is not allowed to leave until the physician has released him.
- B. The RN asks the client why he wishes to leave.
- C. The RN asks the client to explain what he understands about his medical diagnosis.
- D. The RN asks the client to sign an against medical advice discharge form.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the RN is restricting the patient's freedom to leave the hospital against his will, which constitutes false imprisonment. The patient has the right to refuse treatment and leave the facility. Choice B is incorrect because asking the client why he wishes to leave shows respect for his autonomy. Choice C is incorrect as it pertains to educating the patient about his medical condition, not restricting his freedom. Choice D is incorrect as asking the client to sign an against medical advice form is a way to document his decision and protect the healthcare provider legally.
A new nurse manager is attempting to solve a management issue by using one solution after another until she solves the problem. This would be known as what type of method?
- A. Decision making
- B. Trial and error
- C. Experimentation
- D. Analysis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Trial and error. This method involves attempting different solutions sequentially until the problem is solved. Decision making (A) refers to making choices based on available information. Experimentation (C) involves testing hypotheses through controlled trials. Analysis (D) is the process of examining data and information to understand a situation. In this scenario, the nurse manager is not systematically testing hypotheses (experimentation), analyzing data (analysis), or making informed decisions (decision making), but rather trying different solutions until finding the one that works, which aligns with the trial and error method.
The changes brought forth by the state boards of nursing are an example of which type of change agent?
- A. Resistance
- B. Empirical-rational
- C. Normative-reeducative
- D. Power-coercive
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Power-coercive. State boards of nursing have the authority to enforce regulations and standards through legal power, making them a power-coercive change agent. They can mandate compliance and impose consequences for non-compliance, utilizing their regulatory power to drive change.
A: Resistance is incorrect as state boards of nursing do not resist change but rather implement and enforce it.
B: Empirical-rational is incorrect as this approach involves presenting data and information to persuade individuals to change, which may not align with the state boards' regulatory enforcement.
C: Normative-reeducative is incorrect as it focuses on changing beliefs and values through education and social influence, which is not the primary method used by state boards of nursing for implementing change.
Which of the following best describes the role of a nurse advocate?
- A. Direct patient care provider
- B. Advocate for patient needs
- C. Manage nursing staff
- D. Ensure policy adherence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, advocate for patient needs. A nurse advocate acts as a voice for patients, ensuring their rights are respected and needs are met. This involves advocating for proper care, treatment, and support. Direct patient care provider (A) focuses on hands-on patient care. Managing nursing staff (C) involves overseeing and coordinating staff, not directly advocating for patients. Ensuring policy adherence (D) involves following organizational policies and procedures, not necessarily advocating for individual patient needs. In summary, the role of a nurse advocate is to prioritize and champion the best interests of the patient.
A staff nurse is working with a patient who is on a critical pathway for education in preparation for home care. Which one of the following responsibilities would the nurse address first?
- A. Taking vital signs
- B. Answering the client's questions
- C. Evaluating client teaching
- D. Reviewing the information with the client and family
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because reviewing the information with the client and family should be addressed first to ensure understanding and clarity. This step allows for immediate feedback and corrections if needed, promoting effective education. Taking vital signs (A) can be done after educating the client. Answering questions (B) and evaluating teaching (C) come after providing the necessary information.