An RN delegates to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) the task of performing blood pressure checks for a group of patients on a nursing unit. The UAP accepts the task and is responsible for:
- A. delegating the task to another UAP if he or she does not have the time or skill to complete the task.
- B. keeping the RN informed of any abnormal blood pressure readings.
- C. calling the physician when the patient's vital signs are not within established parameters.
- D. informing the dietary department to initiate a low-sodium diet for patients who are hypertensive.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because keeping the RN informed of any abnormal blood pressure readings is an essential part of the UAP's responsibility. This ensures that the RN is aware of any potential issues with the patients' health and can intervene if necessary. It is important for the UAP to communicate such vital information promptly to the RN, who has the clinical expertise to assess the situation and make appropriate decisions.
Choice A is incorrect because the UAP should not delegate tasks to another UAP without prior authorization from the RN. Choice C is incorrect because calling the physician directly is beyond the scope of practice for a UAP. Choice D is incorrect because initiating a low-sodium diet for hypertensive patients is a clinical decision that should be made by the RN or physician, not the UAP.
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A registered nurse is on break and checking e-mails. One e-mail contains a picture of a celebrity who is a patient in the hospital, and on the same floor, where the nurse works. Included with the photo is a message, "check out my Facebook," which contains additional photographs of the patient. The nurse immediately deletes the picture to prevent having to report the "friend" to supervisors. Based on the action of the nurse who received the message, which statement is correct?
- A. The nurse is not at risk for having his or her license suspended since removing the photos made them temporary and invisible to all others.
- B. Because the nurse did not send the message and immediately deleted the photo, there is no risk for discipline.
- C. Failing to report receiving the message demonstrates poor ethical and legal role-modeling as well as placing the nurse at risk for discipline.
- D. Because the patient is on the same floor as the one on which the nurse works, the information can be ethically and legally shared.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nurse is at risk for discipline because failing to report the receipt of the message demonstrates poor ethical and legal role-modeling. By deleting the photo and not reporting the incident, the nurse is not upholding patient confidentiality and is potentially violating privacy laws. Sharing patient information, even if the patient is on the same floor, is unethical and illegal. Choices A and B are incorrect because simply deleting the photos does not absolve the nurse from potential consequences, and not being the sender does not excuse the nurse from being responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality. Choice D is incorrect because sharing patient information without authorization is a violation of ethical and legal standards.
A comparison of nursing in the 1980s to nursing in the 1990s reveals that:
- A. in the 1990s nursing experienced a significant reduction occurred in preventable diseases caused by unsafe/unhealthy lifestyles.
- B. tuberculosis was the primary concern for nursing in the 1980s, whereas the AIDS epidemic emerged and was its focus during the 1990s.
- C. a decrease in ambulatory services in the 1980s prompted an increase in public health nurses in the 1990s.
- D. the demand for advanced practice nurses increased in the 1980s and the 1990s as a result of the economy and concern about the health of the nation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it accurately reflects the shift in focus from tuberculosis in the 1980s to the emergence of the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s in the field of nursing. Tuberculosis was a major concern in the 1980s, and the AIDS epidemic became a primary focus in the 1990s.
Choice A is incorrect because it discusses preventable diseases caused by unsafe lifestyles, which is not directly related to the comparison of nursing between the two decades.
Choice C is incorrect because it mentions a decrease in ambulatory services in the 1980s leading to an increase in public health nurses in the 1990s, which is not supported by the historical context of nursing during those decades.
Choice D is incorrect because it suggests that the demand for advanced practice nurses increased in both the 1980s and the 1990s due to economic reasons and national health concerns, which is not specifically relevant to the comparison between nursing in the two decades.
An RN recently relocated to another region of the country and immediately assumed the role of charge nurse. When determining the appropriate person to whom to delegate, the RN knows that:
- A. the role of the LPN/LVN is the same from state to state.
- B. the LPN/LVN can be taught to perform all the duties of an RN if approved by the employer and if additional on-the-job training is provided.
- C. he or she must review the state's nurse practice act for LPN/LVNs, because each state defines the role and scope of practice of the LPN/LVN.
- D. The Joint Commission has certified and established roles for the LPN/LVN.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. When delegating tasks to an LPN/LVN, the RN must review the state's nurse practice act because each state defines the role and scope of practice of the LPN/LVN. This is crucial as the LPN/LVN scope of practice can vary significantly from state to state. By reviewing the nurse practice act, the RN ensures that the tasks being delegated fall within the legal scope of practice for the LPN/LVN in that specific state, promoting safe and effective patient care.
Choice A is incorrect because the role of the LPN/LVN can differ between states.
Choice B is incorrect because LPN/LVNs cannot perform all duties of an RN, and additional training does not change their scope of practice.
Choice D is incorrect because the Joint Commission does not establish roles for LPN/LVNs; it focuses on accreditation standards for healthcare organizations.
A nurse is preparing to teach a class related to risk factors for cancer to a diverse ethnic group attending a health fair. The nurse should be aware:
- A. that Hispanic women overestimate the prevalence of cancer and strictly following breast self-examination guidelines.
- B. of the importance of risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption that increase esophageal cancer when speaking with black.
- C. that American-Indian women have a higher rate of ovarian cancer than the general population.
- D. that cancer as well as heart disease and stroke are lower in ethnic groups.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it provides accurate information about a specific risk factor related to a particular ethnic group. American-Indian women do have a higher rate of ovarian cancer than the general population, making it crucial for the nurse to be aware of this when teaching about cancer risk factors.
A is incorrect as it discusses breast cancer and not ovarian cancer. B is incorrect as it mentions esophageal cancer, which is not the specific focus of the question. D is also incorrect as it makes a general statement about cancer, heart disease, and stroke in ethnic groups without providing specific information about ovarian cancer in American-Indian women.
A new graduate nurse is applying for the exciting first position and states, "I am only applying to Magnet hospitals because those work environments:
- A. attract physicians who are the best health care providers to improve quality of care."
- B. require all registered nurses to be certified in the area of practice."
- C. not only attract but also retain professional nurses."
- D. discourage nurses from advancing their current level of education and I don't want to return to school for many years."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because Magnet hospitals are recognized for their ability to not only attract but also retain professional nurses. These hospitals create a positive work environment that values and supports nursing staff, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. Choice A is incorrect because while Magnet hospitals may attract top healthcare providers, it's not solely focused on physicians. Choice B is incorrect as certification is not a mandatory requirement for all RNs in Magnet hospitals. Choice D is incorrect as Magnet hospitals actually encourage nurses to advance their education and professional development.