Why might nurses not be the best choice to obtain informed consent from patients?
- A. Nurses may be tempted to influence the patient's decision in subtle ways.
- B. Nurses may not be able to answer some of the medical questions the patient asks.
- C. A signature obtained by anyone other than a physician will not stand up in court.
- D. Under the law, nurses are only allowed to act as witnesses to informed consent signatures.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nurses may not have the medical expertise to answer all the questions that patients may have regarding their treatment, which is a crucial aspect of obtaining informed consent. While nurses should not influence a patient's decision, it is not a major reason why they should not obtain informed consent. Signatures obtained by nurses are legally binding, and although nurses often act as witnesses, there is no legal restriction preventing them from obtaining informed consent itself.
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A nurse is working in an assisted living facility that has a culturally diverse older adult population. Which statement by the nurse best demonstrates cultural sensitivity?
- A. We need to ensure that both the minority population and the majority population have their health needs met.
- B. It's important to remember that minority groups do not usually express their pain explicitly.
- C. We need to build our knowledge of clients who belong to cultural and ethnic groups that we're not familiar with.
- D. We need to teach all clients that their health problems are not necessarily the result of punishment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best demonstration of cultural sensitivity by the nurse is reflected in choice C. Building a knowledge base around cultural and ethnic groups is a crucial component of providing culturally sensitive care. Choice A creates an inaccurate dichotomy between 'minority' and 'majority' populations, which is not a culturally sensitive approach. Choice B incorrectly generalizes that minority groups do not usually express their pain explicitly, which is not true for all cultural groups. Choice D suggests imposing a different belief system on clients, which is not culturally sensitive and can undermine trust and rapport with older adult clients.
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.
During a home visit, a nurse notes that an 80-year-old female patient's blood pressure is 166/99 despite the recent introduction of a diuretic to her medication regimen. The patient admits that her son refuses to give her the diuretic because it has precipitated incontinence episodes and states, 'He gets so furious when I soil myself.' What action should the nurse prioritize in this potential case of elder abuse?
- A. Improving or salvaging the family dynamics
- B. Teaching the son why his actions are inappropriate
- C. Initiating legal action
- D. Taking measures to protect the patient's safety
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this potential case of elder abuse, the nurse's priority should be taking measures to protect the patient's safety. The patient's health and well-being are at risk due to the son's refusal to administer the diuretic, which can lead to serious health complications. While improving family dynamics (choice A), educating the son (choice B), and legal actions (choice C) may be necessary in the long run, the immediate concern is ensuring the patient's safety and well-being.
A 52-year-old woman is preparing to have her father move into her home after his discharge from the hospital. Which of the following subjects should the discharge planning nurse prioritize when preparing the woman for her new caregiving role?
- A. The availability and scope of community resources
- B. The importance of her own self-care and techniques for maximizing it
- C. Assertiveness training to ensure she can set limits
- D. Management of finances
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. It is crucial for the discharge planning nurse to prioritize the importance of the woman's self-care and provide techniques for maximizing it. When taking on a caregiving role, the caregiver's well-being is essential to ensure effective care for the patient. While community resources (choice A) are important, the immediate focus should be on self-care. Assertiveness training (choice C) and financial management (choice D) are also significant but not as critical as self-care for the caregiver in this scenario.
During a family meeting that the nurse organized during an older adult's discharge planning from the hospital, there is visible animosity between the son and daughter of the patient. What should the nurse's initial response be to the apparent family dysfunction?
- A. Teach the patient's children alternative methods of interaction.
- B. Encourage the family to choose one spokesperson to represent all the children.
- C. Organize separate meetings with the son and with the daughter.
- D. Assess the family history and the nature of the son and daughter's relationship.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct initial response for the nurse in this situation is to assess the family history and the nature of the son and daughter's relationship. By gathering data and identifying factors contributing to the dysfunction, the nurse can better understand the underlying issues and dynamics at play. Teaching alternative methods of interaction (Choice A) may not address the root cause of the animosity. Encouraging one spokesperson for the family (Choice B) may overlook individual concerns. Organizing separate meetings (Choice C) may not provide a holistic view of the family dynamics and may not address the issues affecting the family unit as a whole. Therefore, assessing the family history and relationship dynamics is essential for effective intervention and resolution of the family dysfunction.