A nurse is teaching a class about providing care within the legal scope of practice to a group of nurses. The nurse should include that which of the following procedures is outside the legal scope of practice for an RN?
Changing the inner cannula on a tracheostomy
Irrigation of an external ear canal
Inserting a tunneled central venous catheter
Administering a platelet transfusion
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Changing a tracheostomy inner cannula is within an RN’s scope, involving routine airway maintenance. It requires sterile technique and training but is a standard nursing procedure, not restricted to advanced practitioners, making it a permissible task.
Choice B reason: Irrigating an external ear canal is within an RN’s scope, used to remove cerumen or debris. It requires proper technique to avoid injury, but RNs are trained for this, making it a standard nursing intervention, not outside their legal scope.
Choice C reason: Inserting a tunneled central venous catheter is outside an RN’s scope, as it requires surgical skills and is performed by physicians or advanced practice providers. RNs may assist or manage catheters post-insertion, but insertion is restricted, making this the correct choice.
Choice D reason: Administering a platelet transfusion is within an RN’s scope, involving monitoring for reactions and following protocols. It is a standard nursing procedure in settings like oncology, not restricted to advanced practitioners, making it a permissible task.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Naloxone reverses opioid toxicity by binding to opioid receptors, not benzodiazepines, which act on GABA receptors. Benzodiazepine toxicity causes sedation and respiratory depression, but naloxone is ineffective, as it targets a different pharmacological pathway, making this an incorrect choice.
Choice B reason: Atropine treats anticholinergic toxicity or bradycardia, not benzodiazepine toxicity. Benzodiazepines depress the central nervous system via GABA enhancement, and atropine’s muscarinic antagonism does not address this mechanism, making it irrelevant for reversing benzodiazepine overdose effects.
Choice C reason: Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that reverses benzodiazepine toxicity by competitively inhibiting GABA receptor binding, alleviating sedation and respiratory depression. It is the standard antidote for benzodiazepine overdose, making it the correct medication for this clinical scenario.
Choice D reason: Activated charcoal prevents drug absorption in recent ingestions but is ineffective for benzodiazepine toxicity once systemic effects like sedation occur. It does not reverse GABA-mediated effects, making it unsuitable for managing acute benzodiazepine overdose symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A health care surrogate does not need to be a family member; clients can designate anyone they trust, such as a friend or attorney. This statement reflects a misunderstanding of advance directives, which prioritize client choice in appointing surrogates, making it incorrect.
Choice B reason: Providers cannot override advance directives unless legally challenged or deemed invalid. These documents legally bind providers to respect client wishes, such as refusing treatment. This statement misrepresents the legal authority of advance directives, making it an incorrect understanding.
Choice C reason: Providers do not choose health care surrogates; clients designate them in advance directives. If no surrogate is named, courts may appoint one. This statement incorrectly suggests provider authority over surrogate selection, indicating a misunderstanding of client autonomy in advance directives.
Choice D reason: Clients can resume control of health care decisions after regaining competency, as advance directives apply only during incapacity. This reflects correct understanding of the reversible nature of temporary incapacity, ensuring client autonomy is restored, making it the accurate statement.
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.