A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about medically futile treatment. The nurse should include which of the following as an example of medically futile treatment?

Choice A reason: This statement does not indicate an understanding of acute care, but rather a misconception and a lack of responsibility. Acute care is a level of health care that provides immediate and short-term treatment for severe or life-threatening conditions, such as asthma attacks. Acute care requires the parents to stay with their child and participate in their care plan.

Choice B reason: This statement does not indicate an understanding of acute care, but rather a denial and a delay of treatment. Acute care is not provided at home, but at a specialized facility that has the equipment and staff to handle emergencies. Waiting for the nurse to come may worsen the child's condition and increase the risk of complications.

Choice C reason: This statement does not indicate an understanding of acute care, but rather an exaggeration and a misunderstanding of the duration of treatment. Acute care is not meant to last for a long time, but only until the condition is stabilized or resolved. The length of stay at an acute care facility depends on the severity of the condition and the response to treatment, but it is usually less than a month.

Choice D reason: This statement indicates an understanding of acute care, as it reflects the main goal and intervention of acute care for asthma. Acute care for asthma involves administering medications that can quickly relieve the symptoms and prevent further inflammation of the airways. Medications may include bronchodilators, corticosteroids, oxygen, and others.

The correct answer is b. Misunderstanding of roles.

Choice A: Scope of practice

Reason: While the scope of practice defines the roles and responsibilities of different healthcare professionals, it is not inherently a barrier to interprofessional communication. Instead, it provides clarity on what each professional can and cannot do, which can actually facilitate better teamwork and communication.

Choice B: Misunderstanding of roles

Reason: Misunderstanding of roles is a significant barrier to interprofessional communication. When team members are unclear about each other’s roles and responsibilities, it can lead to confusion, overlap, and gaps in care. This misunderstanding can hinder effective collaboration and communication, as team members may not know who to turn to for specific issues or may duplicate efforts.

Choice C: Privacy laws

Reason: Privacy laws, such as HIPAA in the United States, are designed to protect patient information. While they impose certain restrictions on information sharing, they are not a primary barrier to interprofessional communication. Healthcare teams can still communicate effectively within the boundaries of these laws by ensuring that patient information is shared appropriately and securely.

Choice D: Burnout

Reason: Burnout is a significant issue in healthcare, affecting the well-being and performance of healthcare professionals. However, it is more of a personal and systemic issue rather than a direct barrier to interprofessional communication. Burnout can indirectly affect communication by reducing the overall effectiveness and engagement of team members.