What is the most important advantage of an advance directive?
- A. Such a directive indicates how medical decisions are to be made in case a patient is unable to communicate their wishes.
- B. It spares the family the burden of making significant decisions for a patient regarding terminal care.
- C. It ensures that a person's property is distributed according to their wishes after death, avoiding legal complications.
- D. It allows individuals to appoint a guardian for themselves in case of incapacity, without involving the court system.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An advance directive, or living will, is a legal document that specifies an individual's preferences for medical treatment if they are unable to communicate their wishes. The most important advantage of an advance directive is that it spares the family from having to make challenging decisions about terminal care on behalf of the patient. Choice A is incorrect because advance directives pertain to healthcare decisions, not property matters. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to a will for property distribution, which is a different legal document. Choice D is incorrect as advance directives are not related to appointing guardians but rather focus on healthcare decision-making.
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An older adult client tells the nurse that blockage of qi in one of the body's meridians is causing severe headaches. The health care provider has diagnosed migraines and has prescribed a triptan drug. Which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to implement?
- A. Suggest that the prescribed medicine may stimulate the flow of qi
- B. Explain the vasoconstrictive and serotonin-moderating action of triptan
- C. Instruct the client to take as many doses as needed for relief
- D. Caution the client that the headaches will grow worse if the client fails to take the medication
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Qi is the life force that circulates through the body in invisible pathways called meridians. In this scenario, the client believes that the blockage of qi is causing severe headaches. While explaining the scientific principles underlying the drug action could be valuable, it's crucial to consider the client's belief system. Therefore, the most appropriate response is to suggest that the prescribed medicine may stimulate the flow of qi, aligning with the client's perspective. Choice B, explaining the vasoconstrictive and serotonin-moderating action of triptan, does not address the client's concerns about qi blockage. Choice C, instructing the client to take as many doses as needed, can lead to potential medication misuse. Choice D, cautioning the client about worsening headaches without medication, may induce fear and hinder effective communication with the client.
Which of the following is required in order for a healthcare provider to be legally justified in not attempting to save a client's life?
- A. A 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) statement on the patient's care plan
- B. A 'No-Code' sign or symbol placed at the patient's bedside
- C. A 'No-Code' order written and signed on the physician's order sheet
- D. The next of kin's request for 'Do Not Resuscitate' orally or in writing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To legally justify not attempting to save a client's life, a healthcare provider must have a 'No-Code' order written and signed on the physician's order sheet. Unless there is a specific order stating that resuscitation should not be performed, failure to do so can be considered negligence. A 'Do Not Resuscitate' statement on the care plan or a symbol at the bedside is not legally valid without the proper medical order. Additionally, a request from the next of kin, whether oral or written, is not a substitute for a signed physician's order.
A gerontological nurse is providing care at a local community health center that serves large black American and white American older adult populations. The nurse is working to develop culturally appropriate programs to meet each group's health needs and notes differences in health status between the groups. Which reason would the nurse most likely identify as accounting for the differences between the populations?
- A. High incidence of violent crime and sexually transmitted diseases in the black population
- B. Reliance on family for health care advice and rejection of formal service agencies in the white population
- C. Cultural preference for unconventional medical treatments like herbal remedies in the white population
- D. Lower standard of living and less access to health care services in the black population
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Black older adults historically possess many health problems that have accumulated over a lifetime due to a poor standard of living and limited access to health care services. Option A is incorrect because it presents stereotypes about the black population that are not supported by evidence. Option B is incorrect because it generalizes the behavior of the white population without a strong basis. Option C is incorrect as it also generalizes the white population and does not address the disparities in health status between the two groups.
Which of the following aspects of gerontological nursing would be most likely classified under private law?
- A. The regulation of who may call himself or herself a 'nurse'
- B. The contract between an older adult resident of a care facility and the owners of the facility
- C. The legal criteria for declaring an individual mentally incompetent
- D. The criminal consequences for instances of elder abuse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because private law deals with relationships between individuals and organizations, such as the contract between an individual and the care facility. Choices A, C, and D are not classified under private law. Choice A pertains to professional regulation and is a matter of public law. Choice C involves legal criteria and decision-making related to mental competence, falling under public law. Choice D concerns criminal consequences, which are also part of public law.
During a family meeting that the nurse organized during an older adult's discharge planning from the hospital, there is visible animosity between the son and daughter of the patient. What should the nurse's initial response be to the apparent family dysfunction?
- A. Teach the patient's children alternative methods of interaction.
- B. Encourage the family to choose one spokesperson to represent all the children.
- C. Organize separate meetings with the son and with the daughter.
- D. Assess the family history and the nature of the son and daughter's relationship.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct initial response for the nurse in this situation is to assess the family history and the nature of the son and daughter's relationship. By gathering data and identifying factors contributing to the dysfunction, the nurse can better understand the underlying issues and dynamics at play. Teaching alternative methods of interaction (Choice A) may not address the root cause of the animosity. Encouraging one spokesperson for the family (Choice B) may overlook individual concerns. Organizing separate meetings (Choice C) may not provide a holistic view of the family dynamics and may not address the issues affecting the family unit as a whole. Therefore, assessing the family history and relationship dynamics is essential for effective intervention and resolution of the family dysfunction.
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