NUR 20020- Fundamentals NCLEX Practice Questions Ch. 6

A group of nursing students are reviewing legally sensitive issues surrounding death and dying. The students demonstrate understanding of active euthanasia when they identify which of the following as an example? a.) deliberately injecting an excessive insulin dose b.) writing a prescription for barbituates c.) providing analgesia that produces light sedation d.) extubating a mechanically ventilated client

Answer: A Deliberately injecting an overdose of insulin or a bolus of potassium hastens death and is considered euthanasia.

A family member sues the nurse for malpractice based on the claim that a client was injured because of a medication error. This case would be considered as which of the following? a.) unintentional tort b.) felony c.) misdemeanor d.) intentional tort

Answer: A Malpractice is considered an unintentional tort.

A nursing instructor is teaching a class for a group of nursing students about the ethical principles. The instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students give which of the following as an example of nonmaleficence? a.) protecting clients from a chemically impaired practitioner b.) providing emotional support to clients who are anxious c.) administering pain medications to a client who is in pain d.) perform dressing changes to promote wound healing

Answer: A Protecting clients from a chemically impaired practitioner is an appropriate example of nonmaleficence.

A nurse is working as part of a group to develop programs to reduce the health disparities among different groups in the area. Which principle is the nurse applying? a.) justice b.) beneficence c.) autonomy d.) veracity

Answer: A The nurse is applying the principle of justice, which fosters the belief that care is provided on the basis of medical need rather than ability to pay, social status, race, or gender.

A client who is mentally incapacitated is scheduled to undergo surgery. The nurse demonstrates understanding of the principle of autonomy and checks the client's medical record to ensure that consent has been obtained from which person? a.) attending nurse b.) surrogate decision maker c.) client d.) operating surgeon

Answer: B A surrogate decision maker should be identified to give consent for the client who is mentally incapacitated.

A client who is scheduled for abdominal surgery gives informed consent. While reviewing the client's medical record, the nurse identifies the consent form, interpreting it as most reflective of which of the following? a.) confirmation of the client's mental capacity b.) protection of the client's right to self-determination in decision making c.) client's in-depth knowledge about the treatment options available d.) assurance of client's ability to refuse treatment if necessary

Answer: B Informed consent protects the client's right to self-determination in healthcare decision making.

A nurse is presenting an in-service workshop about malpractice for a group of newly hired graduate nurses. Which of the following would the nurse include as necessary to prove malpractice? Select all that apply. a.) the state was responsible for punishment b.) the client has suffered damages c.) a breach in duty occurred d.) the intent to harm was based on evil intent e.) client was to be provided care f.) an injury occurred

Answer: B, C, E, F To prove malpractice, four elements are necessary: A duty to the plaintiff; a failure to meet the standard of care, or a breach of duty, which may be an act of omission; causation (i.e., that the breach of duty produced the injury in a natural and continuous sequence); and damages, which require a physical, emotional, financial, or other injury to the patient.

When preparing a plan of care for a preschool child, the nurse knows that which values are most important during this stage? Select all that apply. a.) competence b.) purpose c.) security d.) self-worth e.) hope f.) awe

Answer: B, F During the preschool period, purpose according to Erikson, and awe, according to Hall, are key values.

While riding in the elevator, a nurse discusses the HIV-positive status of a client with other colleagues. The nurse's action reflects which of the following? a.) defamation of character b.) professional negligence c.) invasion of privacy d.) false imprisonment

Answer: C The nurse's action reflects an invasion of the client's privacy. Disclosing confidential information to inappropriate third party subjects the nurse to liability for invasion of privacy, even if the information is true.

A nursing instructor is describing values and how they can reflect a person's age and stage of development. At which stage would the instructor explain that values typically evolve into guiding principles in life? a.) at childhood b.) at infancy c.) at old age d.) at adulthood

Answer: D At adulthood, the values of a person develop into his or her guiding principles in life.

A client informs the nurse that he is leaving the healthcare facility because he is not satisfied with the treatment. The nurse knows that the client's treatment is incomplete and further testing and evaluations are scheduled. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate to prevent false imprisonment? a.) call the physician to speed up the discharge process b.) restrain the client to prevent him from going c.) tell the client that he will not be able to get access again d.) ask the client to sign a release without medical approval

Answer: D If a client wants to leave the healthcare facility, the nurse should ask him to sign a release stating that he or she left without medical approval.

A client who underwent surgery experienced injury due to a sponge being left inside the surgical wound. The client has sued for malpractice and won most likely based on which of the following? a.) proximate cause b.) respondent superior c.) vicarious liability d.) res ipsa loquitor

Answer: D In cases involving retained sponges or instruments, res ipsa loquitor, the thing speaks for itself, is commonly used because it is obvious that the client's injury resulted from someone's negligence but it is impossible to prove who was at fault.

A nurse working in a coronary care unit resuscitates a client who had expressed wishes not to be resuscitated. Which tort has the nurse committed? a.) assault b.) negligence c.) slander d.) battery

Answer: D The nurse has committed a mistake and can be sued for battery due to unlawfully carrying out a procedure that the client had refused.

A nurse is caring for a client who is a celebrity in the area. A person claiming he is a family member inquires about the medical details of the client. The nurse reveals the information but later comes to find out that the person was not a family member. The nurse has violated which of the following? a.) veracity b.) autonomy c.) fidelity d.) confidentiality

Answer: D The nurse has violated the principle of confidentiality by revealing the client's personal medical information to a third person. Confidentiality is a professional duty and a legal obligation. What is documented in the client's record is accessible only to those providing care to that client.