The nurse uses subtle measures of painful stimuli, such as nailbed pressure to elicit a response from a neurologically impaired patient. By using this meth od rather than nipple pinching, the nurse is exemplifying what ethical principle?
- A. Beneficence
- B. Fidelity
- C. Nonmaleficence
- D. Veracity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nonmaleficence. The nurse is demonstrating nonmaleficence by choosing a less harmful method (nailbed pressure) to assess pain in a neurologically impaired patient, instead of a more painful method (nipple pinching). Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of avoiding harm or minimizing harm to the patient. In this scenario, the nurse is prioritizing the well-being and comfort of the patient by using a less invasive and painful method to elicit a response. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because beneficence refers to doing good for the patient, fidelity to being loyal and maintaining trust, and veracity to truthfulness and honesty, none of which directly apply in this situation.
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The family members of a critically ill, 90-year-old patient bring in a copy of the patient’s living will to the hospital, which identifies the patient’s wiasbhireb.sc orme/gteasrt ding health care. The nurse discusses the contents of the living will with the patient’s physician. This is an example of implementation of which of the AACN Standards of Pr ofessional Performance?
- A. Acquires and maintains current knowledge of practice
- B. Acts ethically on the behalf of the patient and family
- C. Considers factors related to safe patient care
- D. Uses clinical inquiry and integrates research findings i n practice
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Considers factors related to safe patient care. The scenario involves the nurse discussing the patient's living will with the physician, which is essential for ensuring safe patient care by following the patient's preferences. This aligns with the AACN standard of considering factors related to safe patient care, as the nurse is actively involving all relevant parties in decision-making to provide care that is in line with the patient's wishes.
Explanation of why other choices are incorrect:
A: Acquires and maintains current knowledge of practice - While important, this choice does not directly relate to the scenario where the focus is on safe patient care through communication and collaboration.
B: Acts ethically on behalf of the patient and family - While ethics are important, the scenario is more about following the patient's wishes as outlined in the living will rather than making ethical decisions.
D: Uses clinical inquiry and integrates research findings in practice - While valuable in nursing practice, this choice does not directly apply to the scenario where
The nurse is preparing to obtain a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) reading for a patient who is mechanically ventilated. Ensuring that the aaibri-rbf.lcuoimd/ teinstt erface is at the level of the phlebostatic axis, what is the best nursing action?
- A. Place the patient in the supine position and record the PAOP immediately after exhalation.
- B. Place the patient in the supine position and document the average PAOP obtained after three measurements.
- C. Place the patient with the head of bed elevated 30 degrees and document the average PAOP pressure obtained.
- D. Place the patient with the head of bed elevated 30 degr ees and record the PAOP just before the increase in pressures during inhalation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because placing the patient with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees is the best position for obtaining an accurate PAOP reading. Elevating the head of the bed helps to align the phlebostatic axis with the atrium, ensuring an accurate measurement of PAOP. This position reduces the impact of hydrostatic pressure on the reading. Options A and D are incorrect because the supine position and recording during exhalation or just before the increase in pressures during inhalation can lead to inaccurate readings. Option B is incorrect because documenting the average PAOP after three measurements does not address the importance of positioning for accuracy.
The nurse uses the Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) format to communicate a change in patient status to a healthcare provider. In which order should the nurse make the following statements?
- A. The patient needs to be evaluated immediately and may need intubation and mechanical ventilation.
- B. The patient was admitted yesterday with heart failure and has been receiving furosemide (Lasix) for diuresis, but urine output has been low.
- C. The patient has crackles audible throughout the posterior chest and the most recent oxygen saturation is 89%. Her condition is very unstable.
- D. This is the nurse on the surgical unit. After assessing the patient, I am very concerned about increased shortness of breath over the past hour.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Start with Background - statement B provides relevant background information about the patient's current condition and why there is a need for communication.
Step 2: Move on to Situation - statement D sets the current situation where the nurse expresses concern about the patient's symptom.
Step 3: Next is Assessment - statement C details the nurse's assessment findings, highlighting the critical aspects of the patient's condition.
Step 4: End with Recommendation - statement A suggests the necessary action to be taken based on the assessment findings. This order ensures a clear and structured communication process.
Summary:
- Choice A is incorrect as the recommendation should come after providing background, situation, and assessment.
- Choice C is incorrect as assessment details should precede the patient's critical condition.
- Choice D is incorrect as the situation should be explained before expressing concern.
A client with asthma receives a prescription for high blood pressure during a clinic visit. Which prescription should the nurse anticipate the client to receive that is least likely to exacerbate asthma?
- A. Carteolol (Ocupress)
- B. Propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal)
- C. Pindolol (Visken)
- D. Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor). Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker that primarily targets beta-1 receptors in the heart, making it less likely to exacerbate asthma compared to non-selective beta-blockers like Propranolol (choice B) and Pindolol (choice C). Carteolol (choice A) is also a non-selective beta-blocker and can potentially worsen asthma symptoms. Metoprolol's selectivity for beta-1 receptors minimizes bronchoconstriction, making it the safest choice for a client with asthma and high blood pressure.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone major abdominal surgery. The nurse notices that the patient’s urine output has been less than 20 mL/hour for the past 2 hours. The patient’s blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg, and the pulse is 110 beats/min. Previously, the pulse was 90 beats/min with a blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg. The nurse should
- A. contact the provider and expect a prescription for a normal saline bolus.
- B. wait until the provider makes rounds to report the assessment findings.
- C. continue to evaluate urine output for 2 more hours.
- D. ignore the urine output, as this is most likely postrenal in origin.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: contact the provider and expect a prescription for a normal saline bolus. The patient is showing signs of hypovolemia with decreased urine output, low blood pressure, and elevated heart rate. This indicates inadequate perfusion and potential hypovolemic shock. Administering a normal saline bolus will help restore intravascular volume and improve perfusion. Waiting for the provider to make rounds (option B) could delay necessary intervention. Continuing to evaluate urine output for 2 more hours (option C) is not appropriate given the patient's current condition. Ignoring the urine output (option D) is dangerous as it could lead to further complications.