When addressing an ethical dilemma, contextual, physiolo gical, and personal factors of the situation must be considered. Which of the following is an example of a personal factor?
- A. The hospital has a policy that everyone must have an aadbvirba.ncocme/dte sdt irective on the chart.
- B. The patient has lost 20 pounds in the past month and is fatigued all of time.
- C. The patient has expressed their beliefs concerning wha t quality of life means and their wishes.
- D. The primary care provider considers care to be futile in a given situation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's expressed beliefs and wishes regarding quality of life are personal factors that directly influence the ethical dilemma. This factor reflects the individual's values, beliefs, and preferences, which are essential in making ethical decisions that respect the patient's autonomy. Considering the patient's beliefs helps healthcare professionals navigate complex ethical situations by aligning the care provided with the patient's values. Choices A, B, and D do not directly relate to personal factors but rather focus on hospital policies, physiological symptoms, and the provider's perspective, respectively. Personal factors are crucial in ethical decision-making as they center on the patient's autonomy and preferences.
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The nurse is caring for a patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) and understands that treatment consists of which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Airway clearance therapies
- B. Antibiotic therapy
- C. Nutritional support
- D. Tracheostomy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Airway clearance therapies. In cystic fibrosis (CF), mucus buildup in the lungs can lead to infections and breathing difficulties. Airway clearance therapies help loosen and clear this mucus, improving lung function. Antibiotic therapy (B) is used to treat infections but is not specific to CF treatment. Nutritional support (C) is crucial in CF due to malabsorption, but it is not the primary treatment. Tracheostomy (D) is a surgical procedure to create an airway bypassing the upper respiratory tract and is not a standard treatment for CF.
The nurse is caring for a 48-year-old patient who is intubated and on a ventilator following extensive abdominal surgery. Although the patient is respo nsive, the nurse is not able to read the patient’s lips as the patient attempts to mouth the words. Which of the following assessment tools would be the most appropriate for the nu rse to use when assessing the patient’s pain level? (Select all that apply.)
- A. The FACES scale
- B. Pain Intensity Scale
- C. The PQRST method
- D. The Visual Analogue Scale
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The FACES scale. This scale uses facial expressions to assess pain, making it suitable for a patient who is unable to verbalize. The nurse can show the patient a series of faces depicting varying levels of pain and ask them to point to the one that best represents their pain level. This method is non-verbal and easy for patients to understand.
The other choices are incorrect:
B: The Pain Intensity Scale requires the patient to rate their pain on a numerical scale, which may be difficult for a non-verbal patient.
C: The PQRST method is a mnemonic for assessing pain characteristics (provocation, quality, region, severity, timing), but it requires patient communication.
D: The Visual Analogue Scale involves marking a point on a line to indicate pain intensity, which is not suitable for a non-verbal patient.
A 54-year-old patient arrives in the emergency department (ED) after exposure to powdered lime at work. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Obtain the patient’s vital signs.
- B. Obtain a baseline complete blood count.
- C. Decontaminate the patient by showering with water.
- D. Brush off any visible powder on the skin and clothing.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because brushing off any visible powder on the skin and clothing is the first step in managing exposure to powdered lime. This action helps to remove the source of exposure and prevent further absorption through the skin. It is crucial to prevent additional contact and reduce the risk of further harm. Obtaining vital signs (choice A) and a complete blood count (choice B) can be important but should come after the initial decontamination. Decontaminating the patient by showering with water (choice C) is not recommended for lime exposure as it can react with water and cause further injury.
Which of the following assists the critical care nurse in ensuring that care is appropriate and based on research?
- A. Clinical practice guidelines
- B. Computerized physician order entry
- C. Consulting with advanced practice nurses
- D. Implementing Joint Commission National Patient Safe ty Goals
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clinical practice guidelines. Clinical practice guidelines are evidence-based recommendations that assist nurses in providing appropriate care based on research. They outline best practices for specific patient populations or conditions, helping nurses make informed decisions.
Summary:
- B: Computerized physician order entry: While it may improve accuracy and efficiency, it does not specifically ensure care based on research.
- C: Consulting with advanced practice nurses: While collaboration is valuable, it does not guarantee care based on research.
- D: Implementing Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals: Important for patient safety, but not directly related to ensuring care based on research.
A hospital interviews two different candidates for a position in the ICU. Both candidates have around 10 years of experience working in the ICU. Both have excellent interpersonal skills and highly positive references. One, however, has certification in critical care nursing. Which of the following is the most compelling and accurate reason for the hospital to hire the candidate with certification?
- A. The certified nurse will have more knowledge and expertise.
- B. The certified nurse will behave more ethically.
- C. The certified nurse will be more caring toward patients.
- D. The certified nurse will work more collaboratively with other nurses.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The certified nurse will have more knowledge and expertise. Certification in critical care nursing indicates that the candidate has undergone specialized training and passed a standardized exam, demonstrating a higher level of knowledge and skill in critical care practices compared to a non-certified candidate. This certification ensures that the nurse has met specific competency standards in critical care, making them better equipped to handle complex situations in the ICU.
Summary:
- Choice B (ethical behavior) and Choice C (caring towards patients) are subjective qualities that can be present in both certified and non-certified nurses.
- Choice D (collaboration with other nurses) is not directly related to certification but can be influenced by the individual's interpersonal skills.
- Ultimately, the certification in critical care nursing provides concrete evidence of the candidate's advanced knowledge and expertise, making them the most compelling choice for the hospital to hire.