Which of these statements is true regarding advance directives?
- A. They must be reviewed and re-signed every 10 years in order to remain valid.
- B. An advance directive is legally valid in every state, regardless of the state it was created in.
- C. A physician must determine when a client is unable to make medical decisions for themselves.
- D. They cannot be honored by EMTs (emergency medical technicians) unless signed by a doctor.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct statement is that advance directives cannot be honored by EMTs unless they are signed by a doctor. EMTs are required to provide emergency care to a client, irrespective of their advance directive status, unless the directive has been signed by a doctor. When a client is brought to the hospital, physicians will assess the client and implement the advance directive if necessary. Advance directives do not need to be reviewed and re-signed every 10 years to remain valid; they remain in effect until changed. While advance directives are legally valid in most states, some states may not honor those created in other states, so it's advisable to check the new state's policies if a client moves. Additionally, it typically requires two physicians, not just one, to determine if a client is unable to make medical decisions for themselves.
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While working the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift at the long-term care unit, the nurse gathers the nursing staff to listen to the 3 to 11 p.m. intershift report. The nurse notes that a staff member has an odor of alcohol on her breath, slurred speech, and an unsteady gait, suspecting alcohol intoxication. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
- A. Contact the nursing supervisor.
- B. Tell the staff member that she is not allowed to administer medications.
- C. Ask the staff member how much alcohol she has consumed.
- D. Ask the staff member to rest in the nurses' lounge until the effects of the alcohol wear off.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a staff member reports to work showing signs of alcohol intoxication, the nurse should objectively note the symptoms and ask a second person to confirm these observations. It is crucial to contact the nursing supervisor immediately. An odor of alcohol, slurred speech, unsteady gait, and errors in judgment are indicators of intoxication, posing a risk to client safety. The staff member should be removed from the client care area. Detailed documentation of the incident is essential, including observations, actions taken, future plans, and the staff member's signature and date on the recorded incident memo. If the staff member refuses to sign, this should be noted by the nurse and a witness. Asking the staff member to rest in the nurses' lounge or restricting medication administration does not ensure client safety, as the staff member could still jeopardize it. Inquiring about the amount of alcohol consumed is confrontational and not relevant to the immediate need of ensuring safety.
An LPN is working on the care plan for a client with diabetes mellitus. Which of these outcomes would be the most appropriate?
- A. The client will maintain a blood glucose level within the normal range of 70-110 (per facility policy) throughout my shift.
- B. The client will maintain a blood glucose level within normal range limits today.
- C. The client will maintain a blood glucose level within the normal range of 70-110 (per facility policy) throughout my shift.
- D. The client will maintain a blood glucose level within normal limits throughout my shift.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'The client will maintain a blood glucose level within the normal range of 70-110 (per facility policy) throughout my shift.' This outcome is specific, measurable, and aligns with the goal of managing diabetes mellitus. Choice A is correct because it provides a clear target range (70-110) and includes adherence to facility policy, making it precise and goal-oriented. Choice B lacks specificity on the timeframe, and Choice D is vague in defining the target blood glucose range. In nursing care plans, outcomes should be well-defined, achievable, and measurable to effectively monitor the client's progress in managing their condition.
A nursing student is assigned to care for a client who requires a total bed bath. When the student explains to the client that she is going to gather supplies to administer the bath, the client states, 'I don't want a bath. I've been up all night, and I'm clean enough.' The student reports the client's refusal to the nurse. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Telling the nursing student to persuade the client to have a bath so that the evening shift staff will not have to do it
- B. Telling the nursing student to allow the client to rest
- C. Telling the client that the refusal of care will be informed to the health care provider
- D. Telling the nursing student to give the client the bath anyway
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client has the right to refuse a treatment or procedure, and if the client does refuse, the nurse must respect the client's decision. Therefore, the nurse would allow the client to rest. Persuading the client to have a bath and giving the bath anyway are both inappropriate as they violate the client's rights. Informing the health care provider of the refusal of care can be discussed with the client if needed, but the immediate action should be to respect the client's wishes and allow them to rest.
When preparing a client for a neck x-ray, what is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take if the client expresses concern about removing a religious medal worn around the neck?
- A. Telling the client that the medal and chain will be kept at the nurse's station for safekeeping while the client is undergoing the x-ray
- B. Asking the client to remove the medal until the x-ray has been completed
- C. Assisting the client in pinning the medal and chain to the waistband of the client's pajama bottoms
- D. Asking the client to place the medal in the top drawer of the bedside stand just before leaving for the radiology department
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a client undergoing a neck x-ray expresses concern about removing a religious medal worn around the neck, the nurse should assist the client in pinning the medal and chain to the hospital gown or in another area where it will not appear on the x-ray image. This action allows the client to keep the medal close without interfering with the x-ray procedure. It is important to ensure that the radiology department staff is informed about this arrangement. Asking the client to remove the medal, keeping it at the nurse's station, or placing it in the bedside stand is not appropriate. These actions may lead to the loss of the medal and chain and do not address the client's concerns about the religious significance of the item.
A client with cancer is transported to the radiology department for a bone scan to determine whether the cancer has metastasized to bone. While the client is in the radiology department, the client's wife arrives for a visit and asks what test is being performed on the client. What should the nurse tell the wife?
- A. A bone scan is being performed.
- B. She can read the client's medical record to determine what the health care provider prescribed.
- C. The radiology department is not clear as to which test has been prescribed.
- D. She will have to discuss the prescribed test with the client.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In healthcare, confidentiality is crucial. Without the client's consent, nurses cannot disclose confidential information to anyone else, even to family members. Therefore, the appropriate response is to inform the client's wife that she will have to discuss the test with the client directly. It is not appropriate to disclose sensitive medical information without the client's permission. Offering the wife to read the medical record is a violation of privacy and confidentiality. Indicating that the radiology department is unclear about the prescribed test is inaccurate and does not uphold confidentiality. Moreover, it is not the responsibility of another department to disclose medical information; it is the duty of the healthcare provider and the client to discuss such matters.
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