During a home visit, a nurse notes that an 80-year-old female patient's blood pressure is 166/99 despite the recent introduction of a diuretic to her medication regimen. The patient admits that her son refuses to give her the diuretic because it has precipitated incontinence episodes and states, 'He gets so furious when I soil myself.' What action should the nurse prioritize in this potential case of elder abuse?
- A. Improving or salvaging the family dynamics
- B. Teaching the son why his actions are inappropriate
- C. Initiating legal action
- D. Taking measures to protect the patient's safety
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this potential case of elder abuse, the nurse's priority should be taking measures to protect the patient's safety. The patient's health and well-being are at risk due to the son's refusal to administer the diuretic, which can lead to serious health complications. While improving family dynamics (choice A), educating the son (choice B), and legal actions (choice C) may be necessary in the long run, the immediate concern is ensuring the patient's safety and well-being.
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For which of the following is informed consent required?
- A. Ordering a liquid diet for a post-surgical patient
- B. Listening to a patient reveal his or her private, personal secrets
- C. Giving a patient saline solution to relieve dry nasal passages
- D. Asking a patient to complete a questionnaire for a research study on hospital practices
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Informed consent is required when asking a patient to participate in a research study, as mentioned in choice D. Choices A, B, and C involve routine care measures that do not require specific informed consent. Ordering a liquid diet, providing saline solution for dry nasal passages, or listening to a patient's personal secrets are part of standard care and do not typically necessitate formal consent beyond general consent for treatment.
A nurse who works in an inner-city clinic provides care for a large number of older black clients. Which health promotion activity best reflects the specific health needs of this population?
- A. A blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring program
- B. An education session on the positive health effects of good nutrition
- C. A screening mammography campaign for older black women
- D. A program that teaches black men the importance of prostate health screening
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Diabetes and hypertension are prevalent among older black adults. Regular blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring are crucial in managing these conditions. While education on good nutrition, screening mammography, and prostate health screening are important health promotion activities, they do not directly address the specific health needs of this population. Therefore, a blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring program would best reflect the health needs of the older black clients in this inner-city clinic.
A nurse is working in an assisted living facility that has a culturally diverse older adult population. Which statement by the nurse best demonstrates cultural sensitivity?
- A. We need to ensure that both the minority population and the majority population have their health needs met.
- B. It's important to remember that minority groups do not usually express their pain explicitly.
- C. We need to build our knowledge of clients who belong to cultural and ethnic groups that we're not familiar with.
- D. We need to teach all clients that their health problems are not necessarily the result of punishment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best demonstration of cultural sensitivity by the nurse is reflected in choice C. Building a knowledge base around cultural and ethnic groups is a crucial component of providing culturally sensitive care. Choice A creates an inaccurate dichotomy between 'minority' and 'majority' populations, which is not a culturally sensitive approach. Choice B incorrectly generalizes that minority groups do not usually express their pain explicitly, which is not true for all cultural groups. Choice D suggests imposing a different belief system on clients, which is not culturally sensitive and can undermine trust and rapport with older adult clients.
A nurse cares for an Asian American client with a fractured femur. During shift report, which statement by the nurse will another nurse challenge?
- A. The client has requested to wait to receive pain medication.
- B. The client does not want family to visit the room.
- C. The client is a recent immigrant to this country.
- D. The client is stoic and will not complain at all.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Stereotyping the client as stoic and unlikely to complain about pain is incorrect and can lead to inadequate pain management. It is essential for the nurse to assess and address the client's pain regardless of cultural background. Choices A, B, and C are not as critical as they respect the client's autonomy, cultural preferences regarding family visits, and provide relevant background information about the client's immigrant status.
Which of the following statements by family caregivers would the nurse consider most indicative of elder abuse?
- A. Mom can't handle her own money anymore, so I've had to take over her banking.
- B. When my dad starts wandering around the house, I give him sleeping pills until he calms down and falls asleep in his chair.
- C. My mother says she wants me to do everything for her, but I think it's better if she keeps on doing everything she's still capable of.
- D. I get so frustrated because my father used to be so competent, and now he can't even use a toilet.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The statement 'When my dad starts wandering around the house, I give him sleeping pills until he calms down and falls asleep in his chair' is most indicative of elder abuse as it involves the inappropriate use of chemical restraints. This practice can harm the elderly and is considered a form of abuse. Choices A, C, and D do not demonstrate elder abuse. Choice A may be a responsible action depending on the circumstances, choice C reflects a positive philosophy of care, and choice D expresses frustration but does not constitute abuse.