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In a community hospital, a nurse is employed as a staff nurse and is supervised by a nurse manager. The nurse understands that in this position, the term authority most appropriately refers to which description?
- A. Accepting responsibility for the actions of others
- B. The official power to ensure that an organizational decision is enforced
- C. Bearing the legal responsibility for others' performance of tasks
- D. Taking responsibility for what staff members do
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term authority refers to the official power of an individual to approve or command an action or to ensure that a decision is enforced. In the context of the nurse's position supervised by a nurse manager, having authority means having the official power to ensure that organizational decisions are carried out. Choice A, accepting responsibility for the actions of others, is more related to accountability rather than authority. Choice C, bearing the legal responsibility for others' performance of tasks, is more about legal liability rather than authority. Choice D, taking responsibility for what staff members do, is similar to choice A and is more about accountability rather than having the official power to enforce decisions. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it directly relates to the concept of authority in the context described.
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When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate, what should the nurse check first?
- A. Temperature
- B. Respiratory status
- C. Pulse
- D. Urine output
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving morphine sulfate via continuous intravenous infusion, the nurse's priority should be checking the client's respiratory status first. Morphine sulfate can lead to respiratory depression, emphasizing the need for close monitoring of breathing. While temperature, pulse, and urine output are all essential components of the assessment, ensuring adequate respiratory function takes precedence due to the potential risk of respiratory depression associated with morphine sulfate. Promptly assessing respiratory status enables early identification of any signs of respiratory distress or depression, allowing for immediate intervention if needed.
In which situation is the nurse upholding the ethical principle of fidelity?
- A. Providing complete information regarding treatment options to a client with newly diagnosed cancer
- B. Allowing a client to decide when to receive daily hygiene care
- C. Inserting a 19-gauge intravenous catheter into a client requiring a blood transfusion
- D. Contacting the health care provider about the client's request to incorporate complementary therapies for pain into the treatment plan
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Fidelity is the ethical principle of keeping promises made to clients, families, and other healthcare professionals. Contacting the health care provider about the client's request to incorporate complementary therapies for pain into the treatment plan exemplifies fidelity. By advocating for the client's preferences and ensuring their requests are addressed, the nurse demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling promises made to the client. Allowing a client to decide when to receive daily hygiene care relates to respecting autonomy, not fidelity. Inserting a 19-gauge intravenous catheter into a client needing a blood transfusion aligns with beneficence, as it involves taking action to provide necessary treatment. Providing complete information to a client with newly diagnosed cancer about treatment options reflects justice, promoting fairness and equity in healthcare by offering equal access to information and treatment choices.
A nursing care plan for a client with sleep problems has been implemented. All of the following should be expected outcomes except:
- A. the client reports no episodes of awakening during the night.
- B. the client falls asleep within 1 hour of going to bed.
- C. the client reports satisfaction with their amount of sleep.
- D. the client rates sleep as an 8 or more on the visual analog scale.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An expected outcome for a nursing care plan targeting sleep problems is that the client reports no episodes of awakening during the night, the client reports satisfaction with their amount of sleep, and the client rates sleep as an 8 or more on the visual analog scale. Falling asleep within 1 hour of going to bed is not necessarily an expected outcome. While it is generally desirable for individuals to fall asleep within a reasonable time frame, this specific timeframe may vary among individuals, and it is not a strict criterion for successful sleep outcomes. Therefore, the correct answer is that the client falls asleep within 1 hour of going to bed, as this is not a definitive measure of the effectiveness of the nursing care plan for sleep problems.
A nurse in a long-term care center notes that an employee is constantly calling in sick. Which action should the nurse take initially to handle this problem?
- A. Documenting the employee's absences in the personnel file
- B. Discussing the situation with the employee and reminding them of the agency's employment standards
- C. Reporting the employee to administration
- D. Issuing a written warning to the employee
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When an employee demonstrates excessive absenteeism, the initial action a nurse should take is to discuss the situation with the employee and remind them of the agency's employment standards. It is important to communicate openly with the employee to understand the reasons for their frequent absences and remind them of the expectations regarding attendance. This approach allows for a constructive dialogue and provides the employee with an opportunity to rectify their behavior. Documenting the employee's absences in the personnel file may be necessary if the issue persists despite the discussion. Reporting the employee to administration should be considered only if the employee fails to improve after the initial discussion. Issuing a written warning should be a subsequent step if the employee continues to violate the attendance policies even after reminders and discussions.
Why would a nurse employed at a hospital be asked by a nurse manager to review the organizational chart?
- A. To be aware of the geographic area that the organization serves
- B. To be familiar with the organization's line of authority
- C. To understand the organization's reason for existence
- D. To be familiar with the beliefs and values of the organization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'To be familiar with the organization's line of authority.' Organizational charts provide a visual representation of the chain of command, reporting relationships, and structure within an organization. This helps employees understand who they report to, who reports to them, and the overall hierarchy. Choice A is incorrect because understanding the geographic area served is more about the organization's scope, not depicted in an organizational chart. Choice C is incorrect as it relates to the organization's reason for existence, usually found in its mission statement. Choice D is incorrect as beliefs and values are linked to the organization's culture, not typically shown in an organizational chart.