A nurse is reviewing the medication orders for four patients. Which patient should the nurse anticipate receiving a lower dose of medication?

A 45-year-old female who reports taking herbal supplements

A 28-year-old female recovering from an uncomplicated appendectomy

A 75-year-old male with decreased renal function

A 30-year-old male with a history of seasonal allergies

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Herbal supplements may interact with medications, potentially requiring dose adjustments, but this is not a standard reason for lower doses. Drug metabolism varies, and interactions depend on specific herbs, making this choice less likely than renal impairment for dose reduction.

Choice B reason: A young female post-appendectomy typically has normal organ function, requiring standard medication doses. No physiological factors like impaired renal or hepatic function suggest a need for lower doses, making this choice incorrect for dose adjustment.

Choice C reason: Decreased renal function, common in elderly patients, reduces drug clearance, increasing the risk of toxicity. Lower doses are often required to prevent accumulation, as the kidneys’ glomerular filtration rate declines with age, making this the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Seasonal allergies do not typically affect medication metabolism or clearance, so standard doses are appropriate. Unlike renal impairment, allergies do not alter pharmacokinetics, making this choice incorrect for anticipating a lower medication dose.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: A legal guardian, appointed for a patient with advanced dementia, has authority to make healthcare decisions, as the patient lacks capacity due to cognitive impairment. Following the guardian’s decisions ensures legal and ethical compliance, prioritizing the patient’s best interests, making this the correct choice.

Choice B reason: Ignoring the legal guardian violates legal standards, as the guardian is appointed to act in the patient’s best interest. Nurses lack authority to override guardians, and doing so risks unethical care and legal repercussions, making this choice incorrect.

Choice C reason: Consulting a patient with advanced dementia directly disregards their lack of decision-making capacity, as cognitive impairments prevent informed choices. The legal guardian’s role supersedes patient preferences in this context, making this choice incorrect.

Choice D reason: Requiring written consent from a patient with advanced dementia is inappropriate, as they lack capacity to provide informed consent. Legal guardians provide consent for such patients, ensuring care aligns with their best interests, making this choice incorrect.

A. The patient consents to hospitalization and treatment voluntarily B. The patient is admitted only after signing legal paperwork agreeing to treatment C. The patient is immediately discharged upon request D. The patient is admitted for psychiatric care without their consent due to risk of harm to self or others

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Voluntary commitment involves patient consent to hospitalization and treatment, often for less acute cases. The scenario describes refusal of admission, necessitating involuntary measures due to suicidal risk, making this choice incorrect as it contradicts the described process.

Choice B reason: Involuntary commitment does not require the patient’s signature or agreement, as it is initiated when they pose a risk to themselves or others. Legal paperwork is completed by professionals, not the patient, making this choice incorrect for the scenario.

Choice C reason: Immediate discharge upon request applies to voluntary admissions, not involuntary ones. Involuntary commitment restricts discharge due to assessed risks, such as suicidal ideation, requiring legal and clinical oversight, making this choice incorrect.

Choice D reason: Involuntary commitment involves admitting a patient without consent when they pose a risk of harm, as with suicidal thoughts. This legal process, governed by mental health laws, prioritizes safety through court or medical authorization, making this the correct choice.

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A nurse is reviewing the medication orders for four patients. Which patient should the nurse anticipate receiving a lower dose of medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for an elderly patient with advanced dementia who is unable to make healthcare decisions independently. The patient’s adult child has been appointed legal guardian. What is the nurse’s best action regarding the patient’s care decisions?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient is brought to the psychiatric unit by family members after expressing suicidal thoughts but refuses voluntary admission. The healthcare team proceeds with involuntary commitment. Which of the following statements best describes involuntary commitment?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the medication orders for four patients. Which patient should the nurse anticipate receiving a lower dose of medication?

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A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, “I hear voices sometimes, but they don’t bother me.” Which of the following is the most appropriate open-ended response by the nurse to further assess the patient’s experience?

The nurse uses a variety of therapeutic communication skills when working with patients. Which of the following is a therapeutic goal that can be accomplished through the use of therapeutic communication?

Which of the following are examples of intentional torts in nursing practice? (Select all that apply)