Nokea
Which of the following statements by family caregivers would the nurse consider most indicative of elder abuse?
- A. Mom can't handle her own money anymore, so I've had to take over her banking.
- B. When my dad starts wandering around the house, I give him sleeping pills until he calms down and falls asleep in his chair.
- C. My mother says she wants me to do everything for her, but I think it's better if she keeps on doing everything she's still capable of.
- D. I get so frustrated because my father used to be so competent, and now he can't even use a toilet.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The statement 'When my dad starts wandering around the house, I give him sleeping pills until he calms down and falls asleep in his chair' is most indicative of elder abuse as it involves the inappropriate use of chemical restraints. This practice can harm the elderly and is considered a form of abuse. Choices A, C, and D do not demonstrate elder abuse. Choice A may be a responsible action depending on the circumstances, choice C reflects a positive philosophy of care, and choice D expresses frustration but does not constitute abuse.
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During a busy shift, a registered nurse directed an unlicensed care provider to change the dressing and perform wound care on an older adult client's surgical incision, an act that exists outside of the unlicensed care provider's scope of practice. Which of the following statements best captures the legal context of this event?
- A. The unlicensed care provider is solely responsible for the inappropriate practice.
- B. The nurse can be held liable for the actions of the unlicensed care provider.
- C. Liability rests with the nurse manager of the unit.
- D. In the absence of documented harm to the client, the action is legally permissible.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Under the doctrine of respondent superior, nurses can be held liable for the actions of individuals under their supervision. In this scenario, the registered nurse directed the unlicensed care provider to perform a task outside their scope of practice, making the nurse accountable for the consequences. Choice A is incorrect because the responsibility is shared between the nurse and the unlicensed care provider. Choice C is incorrect as the nurse manager may not be directly responsible for the actions of the registered nurse. Choice D is incorrect because legality is not determined solely by the absence of harm; acting within one's legal scope of practice is essential to ensure patient safety.
When in doubt about using restraints on an agitated patient, it is prudent for nurses to:
- A. Restrain the patient for their own safety
- B. Use minor restraints such as a bed side rail or a tray on a wheelchair
- C. Use alternatives such as a bed alarm with increased staff supervision
- D. Avoid using any device or procedure to limit liability
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use alternatives such as a bed alarm with increased staff supervision.' The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) established strict standards on restraint use in long-term care facilities. Restraints can be considered a form of false imprisonment and neglect, leading to potential litigation. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid restraints whenever possible. A bed alarm coupled with enhanced staff supervision provides an effective and non-restrictive approach for managing an agitated patient. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because restraining the patient, using minor restraints, or avoiding all devices without providing an alternative can pose risks to patient safety, violate regulations, or increase liability concerns.
How can the nurse best respond to this situation?
- A. The nurse should accept that the relationship plays a positive role for the man.
- B. The nurse should organize a family meeting that includes both the children and the man's partner in an effort to facilitate reconciliation.
- C. The nurse should document the children's concerns and investigate the truth of their claims.
- D. The nurse should ask the partner to demonstrate that she is not a negative influence on the resident.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should respect the father's perspective and accept that the relationship with his common-law partner may indeed be positive and beneficial for him. The nurse's role is to support the patient's autonomy and decisions, especially when there are no legal concerns or signs of abuse. Organizing a family meeting (Choice B) might be premature without first acknowledging the father's viewpoint. Documenting concerns and investigating (Choice C) may create unnecessary conflict and breach the father's trust. Asking the partner to prove herself (Choice D) could strain the relationship further and is not within the nurse's role unless there are clear signs of harm or abuse.
How does guardianship differ from power of attorney?
- A. The court appoints a guardian; an individual grants a power of attorney to someone else to make decisions on his or her behalf.
- B. Guardianship is legally binding whether or not an individual is competent; power of attorney applies only to the incompetent.
- C. Courts monitor the actions of those executing a power of attorney, but guardians are free to act on behalf of another as long as standards of 'reasonable prudence' are met.
- D. Guardianship stays in effect for one calendar year and must be renewed annually; power of attorney stays in effect until one or both parties choose to revoke it.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The key difference between guardianship and power of attorney is that the court appoints a guardian to make decisions on behalf of an individual who is deemed incompetent, while an individual grants a power of attorney to someone else to make decisions on their behalf when they are competent. Choice B is incorrect because both guardianship and power of attorney can apply to individuals who are competent or incompetent. Choice C is incorrect as guardians, like those with power of attorney, must act in the best interest of the individual they represent, and the level of oversight can vary. Choice D is incorrect as guardianship and power of attorney do not have fixed time limits; they remain in effect until revoked or ended by the appropriate legal process.
How might the nursing home's social worker help Ms. O's friends in visiting her?
- A. The social worker should defer to the nursing staff
- B. Help her friends find easier transportation
- C. Tell her to make friends at the dialysis center
- D. Ask other residents' families to bring her friends with them
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ms. O's friends, who are elderly and cannot drive, ride buses to visit her. The social worker can help by finding easier transportation options for them. Not having family around, friends' visits can significantly impact Ms. O's well-being. It may be challenging for the friends to ask for help themselves, so the social worker can reach out to volunteer groups for assistance. Making friends at the dialysis center might not be feasible due to the nature of treatments. Asking other residents' families to bring her friends could burden them further and might deter them from helping. It's important to consider the friends' convenience and emotional support for Ms. O.