A nurse is caring for a group of uninsured clients in the emergency department of a private hospital. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as a violation of a client's rights according to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA)?
A client was placed in the waiting room based on their triage assessment.
A client was transferred to the inpatient antepartum unit to rule out preterm labor.
A client was referred to the county hospital for medical screening evaluation.
A stable client was transferred to a public hospital that provides reduced-cost care.
The Correct Answer is C
A. "A client was placed in the waiting room based on their triage assessment." Hospitals can prioritize clients based on triage assessment as long as they receive a medical screening examination and stabilizing treatment if necessary.
B. "A client was transferred to the inpatient antepartum unit to rule out preterm labor." EMTALA requires that hospitals evaluate and stabilize clients with emergency medical conditions, including preterm labor. Transferring a client within the same facility for further evaluation does not violate EMTALA.
C. "A client was referred to the county hospital for medical screening evaluation." Under EMTALA, hospitals must provide a medical screening examination and necessary stabilizing treatment before referring or transferring a client, regardless of their insurance status. Sending a client elsewhere for evaluation without treatment is a violation.
D. "A stable client was transferred to a public hospital that provides reduced-cost care." Once a client has been stabilized, hospitals may arrange for transfer to another facility, provided the transfer meets EMTALA guidelines and is in the client's best interest.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
The first client the nurse should assess is Client 3 (Pulmonary Edema) followed by Client 1 (Hip Fracture).
Rationale:
Client 3 (Pulmonary Edema) – Highest Priority:
-
- Pulmonary edema is a life-threatening condition that can impair oxygenation.
- The client has a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) and a chest x-ray confirming pulmonary edema.
- Immediate assessment is required to evaluate for respiratory distress, oxygenation status, and potential need for diuretics or oxygen therapy.
Client 1 (Hip Fracture) – Second Priority:
-
- The x-ray confirms a fractured femoral neck, which can cause severe pain, bleeding, and immobility.
- The nurse must assess for circulation, sensation, and movement (CSM) of the affected limb and manage pain.
- While this is urgent, it is not as immediately life-threatening as pulmonary edema.
Priority Order (Using ABCs & Maslow’s Hierarchy):
- Client 3 – Pulmonary Edema (Airway/Breathing concern)
2. Client 1 – Hip Fracture (Risk for bleeding, pain, mobility issues)
3. Client 4 – Low Potassium (Risk for cardiac arrhythmias, needs electrolyte management)
4. Client 6 – Poor Diabetes Control (HbA1c 9%, requires education & glucose monitoring)
5. Client 5 – Malnutrition (Prealbumin 12 mg/dL, needs nutrition support for wound healing)
6. Client 2 – Hyperlipidemia (Not an immediate concern, requires long-term management)
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Previous caregiver experience." Experience may reduce stress by helping the caregiver develop coping strategies.
B. "25 to 50 years of age." Age alone is not a significant risk factor for caregiver burden.
C. "Lives in a different dwelling than the client." Caregivers living separately may experience less strain than those providing full-time, in-home care.
D. "Providing care for greater than 1 year." Long-term caregiving is associated with burnout, stress, and physical health issues, increasing the caregiver's risk of anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
