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The nurse does not intervene when a client becomes hypotensive after surgery. As a result, the client requires emergency surgery to stop postoperative bleeding later that night. The nurse could potentially face which types of prosecution for failing to act? Select all that apply.
- A. Felony
- B. Tort law
- C. Malpractice
- D. Statutory law
- E. Misdemeanor
Correct Answer: B,C
Rationale: Tort law deals with wrongful acts intentionally or unintentionally committed against a person or the person's property. The nurse commits a tort offense by failing to act when the client became hypotensive. Malpractice occurs when a duty to the client is established and the nurse neglects to act responsibly. Options 1 and 5 are offenses under criminal law. Option 4 describes laws enacted by state, federal, or local governments.
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A client with a history of silicosis is admitted diagnosed with respiratory distress and impending respiratory failure. The nurse should plan to have which intervention supplies/equipment readily available at the client's bedside to ensure a safe environment?
- A. Code cart
- B. Intubation tray
- C. Thoracentesis tray
- D. Chest tube and drainage system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Respiratory failure occurs when insufficient oxygen is transported to the blood or inadequate carbon dioxide is removed from the lungs and the client's compensatory mechanisms fail. The client with impending respiratory failure may need intubation and mechanical ventilation. The nurse ensures that an intubation tray is readily available. The other items are not needed at the client's bedside. A code cart is used for resuscitation. A thoracentesis tray contains the necessary items for performing a thoracentesis. A chest tube drainage system is used to treat a pneumothorax.
The nurse, after administering an injection to a client, accidentally drops the syringe on the floor. Which nursing action is most appropriate in this situation?
- A. Obtain a dust pan and mop to sweep up the syringe.
- B. Call the housekeeping department to pick up the syringe.
- C. Carefully pick up the syringe from the floor and gently recap the needle.
- D. Carefully pick up the syringe from the floor and dispose of it in a sharps container.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Used syringes should always be placed in a sharps container immediately after use to avoid individuals from becoming injured. A syringe should not be swept up because this action poses an additional risk for getting pricked. It is not the responsibility of the housekeeping department to pick up the syringe. Syringes should never be recapped under any circumstances because of the risk of getting pricked with a contaminated needle.
A client has a prescription for valproic acid 250 mg once daily. To maximize the client's safety, which time is best for the nurse to schedule administration of the medication?
- A. With lunch
- B. With breakfast
- C. Before breakfast
- D. At bedtime with a snack
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant that causes central nervous system (CNS) depression. For this reason, the side and adverse effects include sedation, dizziness, ataxia, and confusion. When the client is taking this medication as a single daily dose, administering it at bedtime negates the risk of injury from sedation and enhances client safety. Otherwise, it may be given after meals to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Which client should the nurse safely assign to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
- A. A client requiring dressing changes
- B. A client requiring frequent ambulation
- C. A client on a bowel management program requiring rectal suppositories
- D. A client newly admitted with nausea, vomiting, and moderate neck pain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assignment of tasks to UAP needs to be made based on job description, level of clinical competence, and state law. The client described in option 2 has needs, frequent ambulation, that can be met by UAP. Options 1, 3, and 4 involve care that requires the skill of a licensed nurse.
The nurse prepares a client with the diagnosis of right pleural effusion for a thoracentesis; however, the client experiences severe dizziness when sitting upright. Which alternate position should the nurse assist the client into to maintain safety during the procedure?
- A. Right side-lying with the head of the bed flat
- B. Prone with the head turned toward the affected side
- C. Sims' position with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees
- D. Left side-lying with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A thoracentesis is a procedure in which fluid or air is removed from the pleural space via a transthoracic aspiration. Positioning can help isolate the fluid in a pleural effusion; generally, the client sits at the edge of the bed, leaning over the bedside table, allowing the fluid to collect in a dependent body area. If the client is unable to sit up, the nurse turns the client to the unaffected side and elevates the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees. Turning to the affected side, the prone, and the Sims' positions are unsuitable positions for this procedure because these do not facilitate fluid removal.