Which of the following statements about ethical principles and laws is true?
- A. The government holds the power to enforce ethics.
- B. Laws provide standards that assist in decision making.
- C. Ethics are very specific.
- D. As a standard for measuring actions, ethical principles may be the basis for laws.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because ethical principles can serve as the foundation for laws. Ethical principles often guide the creation of laws to ensure societal order and justice. Laws are based on ethical values and aim to regulate behavior accordingly. Therefore, ethical principles can be seen as a standard for measuring actions, influencing the development and enforcement of laws.
Summary:
A: Incorrect. The government enforces laws, not ethics.
B: Incorrect. Laws are based on ethics, but they are not the same.
C: Incorrect. Ethics are broad principles, not specific rules.
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A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and is exhibiting signs of hemorrhagic shock. The nurse notifies the surgeon, who tells the nurse to continue to measure the client's vital signs every 15 min and to report back in 1 hour. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
- A. Document the surgeon's instructions in the client's medical record.
- B. Complete an incident report.
- C. Consult the charge nurse.
- D. Notify the nursing manager.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Notify the nursing manager. The nurse should escalate the situation to the nursing manager because the surgeon's instructions may not be appropriate for a client in hemorrhagic shock. The nurse needs to advocate for the client's safety and ensure prompt and appropriate intervention. Consulting the charge nurse may not be sufficient, and documenting the instructions or completing an incident report does not address the immediate need for proper medical intervention.
A unit director at a local hospital knows even leadership may face ethical dilemmas. Which of the following should the director take into consideration when dealing with an employee who is incompetent?
- A. The situation should be tolerated for as long as possible because of the amount of time and paperwork required to terminate an incompetent nurse.
- B. Incompetence only impacts the individual nurse.
- C. The director should follow her institution’s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.
- D. Most nurse practice acts direct how to handle incompetent nurses.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the director should follow the institution's formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety. This is crucial to maintain high standards of patient care and ensure accountability. Choice A is incorrect as tolerating incompetence can lead to serious consequences for patient safety. Choice B is incorrect as incompetence can impact patient outcomes and overall quality of care. Choice D is incorrect as nurse practice acts may provide guidelines but the institution's specific process should be followed to address incompetence effectively.
Which of the following strategies is most effective for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit?
- A. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio
- B. Providing ongoing education on safe medication practices
- C. Using barcoding technology for medication administration
- D. Increasing the use of PRN medications
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Using barcoding technology for medication administration. This strategy is most effective for reducing medication errors because it helps ensure the right medication is given to the right patient at the right time. Barcoding technology allows nurses to scan both the patient's wristband and the medication label to verify accuracy before administration, reducing the risk of errors due to human factors.
A: Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio may help with workload distribution but does not directly address medication errors.
B: Providing ongoing education is important but may not be as effective as implementing technological solutions like barcoding.
D: Increasing the use of PRN medications may actually increase the risk of errors if not managed properly.
In summary, using barcoding technology for medication administration is the most effective strategy as it directly addresses the root cause of medication errors by ensuring accurate medication administration.
A 34-year-old has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. The nurse will discuss the need to schedule a dilated eye exam
- A. every 2 years
- B. as soon as possible
- C. when the patient is 39 years old
- D. within the first year after diagnosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (as soon as possible) because individuals with type 2 diabetes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy, a complication that can lead to vision loss. Early detection through a dilated eye exam allows for timely intervention to prevent or slow down progression. Choice A (every 2 years) may not be frequent enough for early detection. Choice C (when the patient is 39 years old) is not specific to the individual's diabetes diagnosis. Choice D (within the first year after diagnosis) is too delayed for optimal monitoring. Thus, scheduling a dilated eye exam as soon as possible is crucial for early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy.
What is the primary focus of transitional care?
- A. To improve clinical outcomes
- B. To manage chronic diseases
- C. To facilitate smooth transitions between care settings
- D. To support family caregivers
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary focus of transitional care is to facilitate smooth transitions between care settings. This involves ensuring continuity of care, coordination between healthcare providers, and patient education during transitions. This helps prevent medical errors, improve patient safety, and reduce hospital readmissions. Managing chronic diseases (B) and improving clinical outcomes (A) are important aspects but not the primary focus. While supporting family caregivers (D) is crucial, it is not the main goal of transitional care.