The nurse is caring for a client awaiting test results on a biopsy. The client is unconscious, and the physician informs the client's spouse that the biopsy came back positive for cancer. The spouse asks the nurse if they will not share this news with the client because they would prefer the client be unaware of the diagnosis. Which of the following responses is most appropriate?
- A. "I will have a psychiatrist confirm whether the news will cause negative effects, and if so, I will comply with your request."?
- B. "For ethical reasons, I am unable to withhold this information from the client."?
- C. "You do not have the option to sign paperwork stating you are accepting the risk of not sharing this with the client."?
- D. "You must have a durable power of attorney for healthcare advanced directive in place before I can consider this request."?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is, "For ethical reasons, I am unable to withhold this information from the client."? The ethical principle of veracity requires that the nurse is truthful with the client and does not withhold information even if it is requested by the family. Choice A is incorrect because seeking a psychiatrist's confirmation is not necessary to uphold the ethical principle of truth-telling. Choice C is incorrect as implying that signing paperwork overrides the nurse's ethical obligation to be honest with the client is inappropriate. Choice D is also incorrect as a durable power of attorney is not relevant in this situation where the spouse is asking the nurse to withhold information.
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A nurse calls a health care provider to report that a client with congestive heart failure (CHF) is exhibiting dyspnea and worsening of wheezing. The health care provider, who is in a hurry because of a situation in the emergency department, gives the nurse a telephone prescription for furosemide (Lasix) but does not specify the route of administration. What is the appropriate action on the part of the nurse?
- A. Calling the health care provider who gave the telephone prescription to clarify the prescription
- B. Administering the medication orally and clarifying the prescription once the health care provider has finished caring for the client in the emergency department
- C. Calling the nursing supervisor for assistance in determining the route of administration
- D. Administering the medication intravenously because this route is generally used for clients with CHF
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Telephone prescriptions involve a health care provider dictating a prescribed therapy over the telephone to the nurse. The nurse must clarify the prescription by repeating it clearly and precisely to the health care provider. The nurse then writes the prescription on the health care provider's prescription sheet or enters it into the electronic medical record. It is crucial not to interpret an unclear prescription or administer a medication by a route that has not been expressly prescribed. In this case, the nurse should call the health care provider who gave the telephone prescription to clarify the prescription, ensuring the correct route of administration is specified. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because administering the medication without clarification, seeking assistance from the nursing supervisor, or choosing an arbitrary route of administration can compromise patient safety and violate medication administration protocols.
What is the best definition of ethics in nursing?
- A. advocating for the client
- B. knowing your scope of practice
- C. being able to differentiate right from wrong
- D. being willing to report violations
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ethics in nursing refers to the moral principles that govern a nurse's behavior and decision-making. It involves being able to differentiate right from wrong, making choices that are morally sound, and upholding integrity in patient care. While advocating for the client (choice A) is an important aspect of nursing care, it does not fully encompass the broad concept of ethics. Knowing your scope of practice (choice B) is essential for safe and competent care but is not a comprehensive definition of ethics. Being willing to report violations (choice D) is part of ethical practice, but it is not the core definition of ethics in nursing.
A nurse and a nursing assistant enter a client's room to provide care and find the client lying on the floor. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Ask the nursing assistant to complete an incident report
- B. Check the client's level of consciousness and vital signs
- C. Contact the unit secretary on the intercom and ask that the client's health care provider be called
- D. Ask the nursing assistant to assist in getting the client back to bed
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client sustains a fall, the nurse must first assess the client. The nurse should check the client's level of consciousness and vital signs to determine the severity of the situation and provide appropriate care promptly. This immediate assessment is crucial in ensuring the client's immediate needs are addressed. Asking the nursing assistant to complete an incident report (choice A) is not the priority as the client's condition needs immediate attention. Contacting the unit secretary to call the client's health care provider (choice C) can be done after the initial assessment has been completed. Asking the nursing assistant to assist in getting the client back to bed (choice D) should only be considered after ensuring the client is stable and safe to move.
During an emergency procedure, is the surgical timeout a requirement?
- A. The surgical timeout should be performed by the surgical team unless it would cause a delay leading to injury or death.
- B. No, the timeout is not necessary during an emergency procedure.
- C. No, the surgical timeout is not required in emergency procedures.
- D. Yes, the surgical timeout must be performed in all cases.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During an emergency procedure, the surgical timeout should be performed unless doing so would cause a delay leading to injury or death. This is because the primary goal during an emergency is to swiftly address the critical situation. Choice B is incorrect as it implies that the timeout is not necessary, which is not accurate. Choice C is also incorrect as it suggests that the timeout is not required in emergency procedures, disregarding safety protocols. Choice D is incorrect as it wrongly states that the timeout must be performed in all cases without considering the potential risks associated with delays during emergencies.
During a hospital program about in vitro fertilization, a television crew arrives to film for a series on hospital services. What action should the nurse conducting the program take?
- A. Ask the television crew to interview the individuals attending the program individually.
- B. Allow the television crew to videotape the program as long as they do not publicize that the program is about in vitro fertilization.
- C. Explain to the television crew that videotaping is not allowed.
- D. Allow the television crew to videotape the program.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Privacy is a client's right to be free from unwanted intrusion into their private affairs. Videotaping constitutes an invasion of a client's privacy, and written permission is required from the client for actions such as photographing or videotaping. Therefore, the nurse must explain to the television crew that videotaping is not allowed to protect the attendees' privacy. Option A is incorrect as it still involves recording the individuals, breaching their privacy. Option B is incorrect because allowing videotaping without consent violates privacy rights. Option D is incorrect as it disregards the need for consent and privacy protection.