Which of the following scenarios represents nursing malpractice?
- A. The nurse administers penicillin to a patient with a documented history of allergy to the drug. The patient experiences an allergic reaction and suffers cerebral damage due to anoxia.
- B. The nurse applies a hot water bottle or a heating pad to the abdomen of a patient with abdominal cramping.
- C. The nurse assists a patient out of bed with the bed locked in position; the patient slips and fractures his right humerus.
- D. The nurse administers the wrong medication to a patient, resulting in vomiting. This error is documented and reported to the physician and the nursing supervisor.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Administering a drug to a patient with a known allergy, leading to severe harm such as an allergic reaction causing cerebral damage due to anoxia, constitutes nursing malpractice. In this scenario, the nurse failed to adhere to the standard of care by administering a medication that the patient was allergic to, resulting in serious harm, which is a clear example of malpractice in nursing.
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Palpating the midclavicular line is the correct technique for assessing
- A. Baseline vital signs
- B. Systolic blood pressure
- C. Respiratory rate
- D. Apical pulse
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Palpating the midclavicular line is the correct technique for assessing the apical pulse. The apical pulse is located at the point of maximal impulse (PMI), which is typically at the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line. This technique allows healthcare providers to accurately assess the heart rate and rhythm by listening to the heart sounds directly at this point.
A patient is admitted to the hospital with complaints of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain. Which of the following would immediately alert the healthcare provider that the patient has bleeding from the GI tract?
- A. Complete blood count
- B. Guaiac test
- C. Vital signs
- D. Abdominal girth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A positive guaiac test is used to detect the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the stool, suggesting bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. It is a rapid screening test that can provide immediate information to the healthcare provider about possible gastrointestinal bleeding in patients presenting with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain.
The physician orders a platelet count to be performed on Mrs. Smith after breakfast. The nurse is responsible for:
- A. Instructing the patient about this diagnostic test
- B. Writing the order for this test
- C. Giving the patient breakfast
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse's responsibility in this scenario is to instruct the patient about the diagnostic test ordered by the physician. This includes explaining the purpose of the test, any necessary preparations, and what to expect. The nurse is not responsible for writing the order, as this is the physician's role. Additionally, providing breakfast is not directly related to the platelet count test. Therefore, the correct answer is A, which aligns with the nurse's role in educating and supporting the patient regarding the test.
A 38-year-old patient's vital signs at 8 a.m. are axillary temperature 99.6°F (37.6°C); pulse rate 88; respiratory rate 30. Which findings should be reported?
- A. Respiratory rate only
- B. Temperature only
- C. Pulse rate and temperature
- D. Temperature and respiratory rate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Which of the following patients is at greatest risk for developing pressure ulcers?
- A. An alert chronic arthritic patient treated with steroids and aspirin
- B. An 88-year-old incontinent patient with gastric cancer who is confined to bed at home
- C. An apathetic 63-year-old COPD patient receiving nasal oxygen via cannula
- D. A confused 78-year-old patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) who requires assistance to get out of bed
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. An elderly patient who is incontinent, bedridden, and suffering from a serious illness like gastric cancer is at the highest risk for developing pressure ulcers. Being bedridden and incontinent increases the pressure on certain areas of the body, leading to tissue damage and the development of pressure ulcers. Additionally, the patient's age and underlying health condition further contribute to their risk. It is crucial to identify and address such risk factors promptly to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers in vulnerable patients.