A facility provides annual staff education regarding ethical practice. A charge nurse recognizes a need for further education when which of the following behaviors is observed?
A nurse refuses to actively participate during an elective abortion procedure scheduled for their client
A nurse explains to a client's family that a DNR order includes withholding comfort measures
A nurse informs a confused client who wants to go home that they are going to stay at the facility until they are better
A nurse gives prescribed opioids to a client who has a terminal illness and respirations of 8/min
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: A nurse refusing to actively participate during an elective abortion procedure scheduled for their client is not a behavior that indicates a need for further education. The nurse has the right to conscientious objection, which means they can decline to perform or assist in a procedure that violates their moral or religious beliefs. The nurse should inform the charge nurse of their objection and request to be reassigned to another client.
Choice B reason: A nurse explaining to a client's family that a DNR order includes withholding comfort measures is a behavior that indicates a need for further education. The nurse is providing false and misleading information that can cause harm and distress to the client and the family. A DNR order only means that no cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) will be initiated in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest. A DNR order does not affect the provision of other treatments, such as pain management, hydration, nutrition, oxygen, or emotional support.
Choice C reason: A nurse informing a confused client who wants to go home that they are going to stay at the facility until they are better is not a behavior that indicates a need for further education. The nurse is using therapeutic communication and providing reassurance to the client. The nurse is also respecting the client's autonomy and right to refuse treatment, as long as the client is competent and informed. The nurse should assess the client's mental status and decision-making capacity, and involve the client's family or surrogate decision-maker if needed.
Choice D reason: A nurse giving prescribed opioids to a client who has a terminal illness and respirations of 8/min is not a behavior that indicates a need for further education. The nurse is following the principle of beneficence, which means doing good and preventing harm to the client. The nurse is also following the principle of double effect, which means that an action that has both a good and a bad effect is morally permissible if the good effect outweighs the bad effect. The nurse is providing adequate pain relief to the client, even if it may hasten their death. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and level of consciousness, and adjust the opioid dose as prescribed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A durable power of attorney for health care is a type of advance directive that allows the client to designate a person who can make health care decisions for them if they become incapacitated. This is a valid statement by the client that shows an understanding of the teaching.
Choice B reason: A living will is another type of advance directive that specifies the client's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments. A family member does not need to co-sign the living will for it to be valid. This is an incorrect statement by the client that shows a misunderstanding of the teaching.
Choice C reason: The doctor does not need to provide approval for the decisions outlined in the living will. The living will is a legal document that expresses the client's preferences and values. The doctor should respect and follow the living will as much as possible. This is an incorrect statement by the client that shows a misunderstanding of the teaching.
Choice D reason: The client should not wait until they have a serious health problem to sign their advance directives. The client should sign their advance directives when they are mentally competent and able to communicate their wishes. This is an incorrect statement by the client that shows a misunderstanding of the teaching.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Report of photophobia is a common finding in clients who have meningitis, as the inflammation of the meninges causes sensitivity to light. However, this is not an urgent finding that requires immediate reporting to the provider.
Choice B reason: Increased temperature is a common finding in clients who have meningitis, as the infection causes fever and systemic inflammation. However, this is not an urgent finding that requires immediate reporting to the provider, unless it is very high or accompanied by other signs of sepsis.
Choice C reason: Decreased level of consciousness is an urgent finding in clients who have meningitis, as it indicates increased intracranial pressure, cerebral edema, or brain herniation. These are life-threatening complications that require immediate intervention and treatment.
Choice D reason: Generalized rash over trunk is a common finding in clients who have meningococcal meningitis, as the bacteria cause petechiae and purpura on the skin. However, this is not an urgent finding that requires immediate reporting to the provider, unless it is extensive or associated with bleeding or shock.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today