The client is unsure about making medical decisions as their disease progresses and wants to appoint someone to make these decisions. Which of the following options would be most appropriate?
- A. a living will
- B. informed consent
- C. a healthcare proxy
- D. non-informed consent
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'a healthcare proxy.' A healthcare proxy involves the client appointing an individual to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. This option allows the client to choose someone they trust to act in their best interests.
Choice A, 'a living will,' is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in case they are unable to communicate their decisions. While it is important, it does not involve appointing someone to make decisions.
Choice B, 'informed consent,' is a process where a healthcare provider explains a treatment or procedure, including its risks and benefits, to a patient who can then decide whether to proceed. This is not about appointing someone to make decisions on the patient's behalf.
Choice D, 'non-informed consent,' is not a valid concept in healthcare. Informed consent is crucial for respecting a patient's autonomy and decision-making capacity.
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While documenting on a paper form, the nurse realizes they have made a mistake writing the progress note. What should the nurse do?
- A. Use a black marker to fully cover up the mistake.
- B. Do not make any changes to the progress note but explain later in the note that a mistake was made and note what should have been written.
- C. Use whiteout to cover over the mistake and write over it.
- D. Inform the client about the mistake and offer to provide a corrected copy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the scenario described, it is essential for the nurse not to alter the original progress note. Option B is the correct course of action as it maintains the integrity of the documentation while acknowledging the error for transparency and accuracy. Using a black marker (Option A) or whiteout (Option C) can be seen as an attempt to conceal the mistake, which is not in line with professional standards. Option D is incorrect because the mistake should be addressed within the documentation itself, not by informing the client directly about it.
An advance directive is written and notarized according to law in the state of Colorado. This document is legal and binding:
- A. internationally.
- B. in the state of Colorado only.
- C. in the continental United States.
- D. in the county of origination only.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'in the state of Colorado only.' Advance directive protocols and documents are specific to each state's laws and regulations. Choice A is incorrect as advance directives are not universally recognized internationally. Choice C is incorrect as the legal validity of an advance directive is limited to the state in which it was created. Choice D is incorrect as the legal reach of an advance directive typically extends throughout the state of origination, not just the county.
Which of these statements is true regarding advance directives?
- A. They must be reviewed and re-signed every 10 years in order to remain valid.
- B. An advance directive is legally valid in every state, regardless of the state it was created in.
- C. A physician must determine when a client is unable to make medical decisions for themselves.
- D. They cannot be honored by EMTs (emergency medical technicians) unless signed by a doctor.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct statement is that advance directives cannot be honored by EMTs unless they are signed by a doctor. EMTs are required to provide emergency care to a client, irrespective of their advance directive status, unless the directive has been signed by a doctor. When a client is brought to the hospital, physicians will assess the client and implement the advance directive if necessary. Advance directives do not need to be reviewed and re-signed every 10 years to remain valid; they remain in effect until changed. While advance directives are legally valid in most states, some states may not honor those created in other states, so it's advisable to check the new state's policies if a client moves. Additionally, it typically requires two physicians, not just one, to determine if a client is unable to make medical decisions for themselves.
An LPN is having a conflict with another nurse during her shift. She has tried to discuss the issues with the nurse with no resolution. What is the most appropriate way for the LPN to proceed?
- A. Report the conflict to the director of nursing over the unit.
- B. Report the conflict to the assigned charge nurse of the unit.
- C. Report the conflict to the nurse manager of the unit.
- D. Discuss the conflict with the other nurse to attempt resolution of the issue.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate way for the LPN to proceed is to report the conflict to the assigned charge nurse of the unit. Following the chain of command is crucial in a professional setting to address conflicts effectively. Reporting the issue to the charge nurse, who is the immediate supervisor, allows for a structured approach to resolving the conflict. Reporting directly to higher levels such as the director of nursing or nurse manager may bypass the appropriate hierarchy and could create unnecessary tension. Attempting to resolve the issue independently with the other nurse may not be effective if previous attempts have failed, making it essential to involve the immediate supervisor.
The nurse in the emergency room is admitting a client who has sustained a gunshot wound and will require immediate surgery. The client is unconscious and by themselves. Which of the following actions is most appropriate?
- A. Call the charge nurse and request that the facility's legal counsel provide a waiver for informed consent.
- B. Attempt to stabilize the client in the emergency room until they are conscious enough to provide informed consent.
- C. Try to locate the client's family to obtain informed consent before transporting the client to the operating room.
- D. Proceed with transporting the client to the operating room without obtaining informed consent.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In emergency situations where a client is unconscious and requires immediate surgery to save their life, the priority is to proceed with necessary interventions without delay to ensure the best possible outcome. Obtaining informed consent is essential in healthcare, but in situations where a delay in treatment can be life-threatening, healthcare providers are ethically and legally permitted to proceed with treatment without consent. Attempting to stabilize the client until conscious enough to provide consent or trying to locate family members for consent would cause a dangerous delay in critical care. Therefore, the most appropriate action in this scenario is to transport the unconscious client to the operating room for immediate surgery.