NE 210 Test 3

The nurse is developing nursing interventions for a nursing diagnosis related to mobility in a surgical client. Which statement is an example of a nursing intervention? A. Ambulate with the client twice a day. B. Ask nursing assistant to ambulate client in the hall twice a day. C. Client will walk in hall twice a day. D. Client has limited mobility due to surgery.

ANS: A Rationale: A nursing intervention is performed to help the client achieve expected outcomes. Nursing interventions are client-centered and always start with a verb. The intervention "ambulate the client twice a day" is client-centered and begins with a verb. Asking a nursing assistant to ambulate the client is not client-focused. "Client will walk in hall twice a day" does not start with a verb and is written in the form of an outcome rather than an intervention. The statement "client has limited mobility due to surgery" is written as a problem statement, rather than an intervention, and does not start with a verb.

A care conference has been organized for a client with complex medical and psychosocial needs. When applying the principles of critical thinking to this client's care planning, the nurse should most exemplify what characteristic? A. Willingness to observe behaviors B. A desire to utilize the nursing scope of practice fully C. An ability to base decisions on what has happened in the past D. Openness to various viewpoints

ANS: D Rationale: Willingness and openness to various viewpoints are inherent in critical thinking; these allow the nurse to reflect on the current situation. An emphasis on the past, willingness to observe behaviors, and a desire to utilize the nursing scope of practice fully are not central characteristics of critical thinkers.

With delegation, responsibility and accountability remain with the: a. physician. b. professional who delegates. c. individual who receives the delegation. d. individual who previously performed the task.

ANS: B Even though the delegatee (the one who receives the delegation) receives direction from the professional who delegates a task and must have the authority to complete it, the delegator retains accountability for the overall outcome and completion of the activity. The delegatee has responsibility (obligation to engage in the task) and authority for the task.

The nurse is providing care for a client who has a diagnosis of pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumonia infection. What aspect of nursing care would constitute part of the planning phase of the nursing process? A. Achieve SaO2 92% at all times. B. Auscultate chest q4h. C. Administer oral fluids q1h and PRN. D. Avoid overexertion at all times.

ANS: A Rationale: The planning phase entails specifying the immediate, intermediate, and long-term goals of nursing action, such as maintaining a certain level of oxygen saturation in a client with pneumonia. Providing fluids and avoiding overexertion are parts of the implementation phase of the nursing process. Chest auscultation is an assessment.

The nurse cites a list of skills that support critical thinking in clinical situations. The nurse should describe skills in which of the following domains? Select all that apply. A. Self-esteem B. Self-regulation C. Inference D. Autonomy E. Interpretation

ANS: B, C, E Rationale: Skills needed in critical thinking include interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self-regulation. Self-esteem and autonomy would not be on the list because they are not skills.

The nurse is admitting a client to the medical unit after the client has been transferred from the emergency department. What is the nurse's priority action at this time? A. Meeting the urgent needs of the client B. Checking the admitting health care provider's prescriptions C. Obtaining a baseline set of vital signs D. Allowing the family to be with the client

ANS: A Rationale: Among the nurse's functions in health care delivery, identifying the client's urgent needs and working in concert with the client to address them is most important. The other nursing functions are important, but they are not the most important functions.

A medical nurse is caring for a client who is receiving palliative care following cancer metastasis. The nurse is aware of the need to uphold the ethical principle of beneficence. How can the nurse best exemplify this principle in the care of this client? A. The nurse tactfully regulates the number and timing of visitors as per the client's wishes. B. The nurse stays with the client during their death. C. The nurse ensures that all members of the care team are aware of the client's DNR order. D. The nurse collaborates with members of the care team to ensure continuity of care.

ANS: A Rationale: Beneficence is the duty to do good and the active promotion of benevolent acts. Enacting the client's wishes regarding visitors is an example of this. Each of the other nursing actions is consistent with ethical practice, but none directly exemplifies the principle of beneficence.

A group of students have been challenged to prioritize ethical practice when working with a marginalized population. How should the students best understand the concept of ethics? A. The formal, systematic study of moral beliefs B. The informal study of patterns of ideal behavior C. The adherence to culturally rooted, behavioral norms D. The adherence to informal personal values

ANS: A Rationale: In essence, ethics is the formal, systematic study of moral beliefs, whereas morality is the adherence to informal personal values.

A client agreed to be a part of a research study involving migraine headache management. The client asks the nurse if a placebo was given for pain management or if the new drug that is undergoing clinical trials was given. After discussing the client's distress, it becomes evident to the nurse that the client did not fully understand the informed consent document that was signed at the start of the research study. What is the best response by the nurse? A. "The research study is in place and there is no way to know now." B. "I have no idea what is being given for your migraine." C. "What difference does it make? How is your headache?" D. "You signed the informed consent documents prior to the treatment."

ANS: A Rationale: Telling the truth (veracity) is one of the basic principles of nursing culture. Three ethical dilemmas in clinical practice that can directly conflict with this principle are the use of placebos (nonactive substances used for treatment), not revealing a diagnosis to a client, and revealing a diagnosis to persons other than the client with the diagnosis. The nurse is following the guidelines of the research study, so re-educating the client about the study is the best the nurse can do. Saying "What difference does it make?" or "You signed informed consent documents" is not helpful because these statements are not supportive. While it is true that the nurse does not know what treatment the client received, this statement is also not supportive.

The task of completing and signing the initial assessment on a newly admitted patient who is about to undergo minimally invasive procedures on an outpatient basis can be delegated to whom? a. The registered nurse (RN) b. The licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) c. Unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) d. All levels of staff, because the information is about the past and cannot change

ANS: A Only the RN can perform and sign the admission assessment, although some components such as monitoring vital signs may be delegated.

A nurse is concerned about the risk of delegating tasks to licensed practical nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel. What is the best way for the nurse to determine competency of an inexperienced delegatee? a. Personally observe the delegatee perform the assigned task. b. Ask the delegatee how many times he/she has performed the task. c. Question the patient to confirm that the care provided was satisfactory. d. Ask other nurses if they feel the delegatee is competent.

ANS: A The best way for the nurse to determine the competency of LPNs or UAPs is to observe them perform the task.

Which functions can be delegated only to another RN with appropriate experience and training? (Select all that apply.) a. Assessment of skin integrity on third day of hospitalization b. Evaluation of patient teaching related to turn, cough, and deep breathing exercises c. Nursing judgment related to withholding medication based on vital signs d. RNs do not delegate to other RNs, they delegate only to licensed practical nurses or unlicensed assistive personnel. e. Formulation of nursing diagnosis "potential for fall"

ANS: A, B, C, E Activities like assessing skin integrity—which include the core of the nursing process and require specialized knowledge, judgment, and/or skill—can be delegated only to another RN. Activities like evaluating patient teaching—which include the core of the nursing process and require specialized knowledge, judgment, and/or skill—can be delegated only to another RN. Activities like deciding to withhold medication based on vital signs—which include the core of the nursing process and require specialized knowledge, judgment, and/or skill—can be delegated only to another RN. Activities like formulating a nursing diagnosis—which include the core of the nursing process and require specialized knowledge, judgment, and/or skill—can be delegated only to another RN.

An example of a nursing care activity that would not be delegated by an RN to a UNP is: (Select all that apply.) a. teaching self-catheterization to a patient with paraplegia who has limited English. b. basic care for a patient with a head injury who is rapidly deteriorating. c. one-to-one observation with a suicidal patient. d. assessment of patients being admitted through the Emergency Department. e. basic hygienic care for a patient who is post MI and stable.

ANS: A, B, D Functions such as assessment, diagnosis, planning, and evaluation cannot be delegated. In addition, stability, critical thinking, time, and safety are factors that are considered in assessing whether or not to delegate care to a UNP. Teaching self-catheterization to a patient with limited English requires critical thinking; basic care for a patient who is rapidly deteriorating exemplifies concern with stability; and assessment of patients through Emergency is related to the factor of time. An exception to safety and stability in which patients may be delegated to UNPs is when patients are placed on suicide precautions.

An RN delegates to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) the task of performing blood pressure checks for a group of patients on a nursing unit. The UAP accepts the task and is responsible for what associated task? a. Delegating the task to another UAP if he or she does not have the time or skill to complete the task b. Keeping the RN informed of any abnormal blood pressure readings c. Calling the physician when the patient's vital signs are not within established parameters d. Informing the dietary department to initiate a low-sodium diet for patients who are hypertensive

ANS: B After accepting the assignment, the UAP is responsible for completing the task and reporting any patient concerns to the RN. The remaining options are the responsibility of the RN.

You ask Evelyn, a new UNP, to check what is left in Mrs. N.'s inhaler when Evelyn makes visits to Mrs. N. and also to check whether Mrs. N. is receiving any positive effect from the medication. Evelyn reports for 3 weeks that Mrs. N. is using the inhaler and that there is enough medication left in the device. The day of her last visit to Mrs. N., Mrs. N. is admitted to the hospital in severe respiratory distress. When she is admitted, she tells the physician that she has not been using the inhaler for 4 weeks. Determination of Evelyn's educational preparation and certification is related to the concept of: a. accountability. b. authority. c. role performance. d. assignment.

ANS: B Authority refers to the right to do and may be designated by law, educational preparation, or job description.

During staff-development programs, staff nurses verbalize their frustration about their workloads and having to delegate so many tasks to others. One of the main reasons that delegation has emerged as an issue is because of: a. the amount of paperwork required to complete care. b. the complexity of care required by patients. c. earlier discharge practices. d. the numbers of other disciplines present on a given unit.

ANS: B Complexity of client care, a multilevel nursing model (registered nurses, mixed with LPNs/LVNs, and UNPs), and community-based care provide many challenges in determining the care required and outcomes desired and/or mandated, and in matching needs with various abilities and authority of regulated and unregulated healthcare providers. The nurse manager should ensure that staff is clinically competent and trained in their roles in patient safety.

Functions such as "delegates tasks to assistive personnel" that are outlined in a position description for an RN Team Leader would be considered: a. active delegation. b. passive delegation. c. passive accountability. d. active responsibility.

ANS: B Delegation of functions that are normally considered part of or an essential part of the practice of a licensed person through a position description is considered passive delegation.

The day shift nurse asks an LPN/LVN to complete a task for a patient. The day shift nurse is engaging in what function? a. Delegating b. Assigning c. Sharing d. Authorizing

ANS: B Delegation refers to transfer of responsibility for work; the day shift nurse retains accountability for the outcomes of patient care therefore is using assigning of the task rather than delegation.

The nurse is engaging in critical thinking while caring for a group of clients. Which situation is an example of critical thinking by the nurse? A. Following unit policy when administering pain medication B. Administering an analgesic according to the health care provider's prescription C. Working with the client to find a nonpharmacologic pain relief measure D. Assessing the level of pain before administering pain medication

ANS: C Rationale: Critical thinking involves the formulation of options that are most appropriate for a situation and that are client-centered. By working with the client to find a pain relief measure for that client's specific situation, the nurse is exhibiting critical thinking. Following unit policy, administering medication according to a prescription by the health care provider, and assessing level of pain before administering a pain medication are examples of safe care but not critical thinking that is client-centered.

During a discussion with the client and the client's spouse, the nurse discovers that the client has a living will. How does the presence of a living will influence the client's care? A. The client is legally unable to refuse basic life support. B. The health care provider can override the client's desires for treatment if desires are not evidence based. C. The client may nullify the living will during the hospitalization. D. Power of attorney may change while the client is hospitalized.

ANS: C Rationale: Because living wills are often written when the person is in good health, it is not unusual for the client to nullify the living will during illness. A living will does not make a client legally unable to refuse basic life support. The health care provider may disagree with the client's wishes but is ethically bound to carry out those wishes. A power of attorney is not synonymous with a living will.

Care delivery using the team-based approach is used on a telemetry nursing unit. The team consists of one registered nurse (RN), two licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and one unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Staff have been charged to improve quality of care while ensuring cost containment. Which assignments would meet both criteria? a. The RN administers all medications to all patients. b. The LPN performs sterile dressings and IV tubing changes on all central lines. c. The experienced UAP places telemetry electrodes and attaches to cardiac monitor. d. The RN administers an enema to a stable patient who has an order "administer fleet enema PRN when no bowel movement in 2 days."

ANS: C The UAP, when properly trained, can place patients on telemetry. This meets quality and cost containment goals because the LPN and RN have higher salaries.

The public health nurse is presenting a health promotion class to a group of new mothers. How should the nurse best define health? A. Being disease free or having existing diseases stabilized B. The state of having fulfillment in all domains of life C. Possessing psychological and physiologic harmony D. The state of being connected in body, mind, and spirit

ANS: D Rationale: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health in the preamble to its constitution as a "state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity." The concept goes beyond psychology and physiology to include social considerations. It does not depend on having an absence of disease. Fulfillment is consistent with health, but the concepts are not synonymous.

You are a member of a team assigned to care for 15 general medical/surgical clients. You have all worked well together in the past in this same type of care. If you are assigned to coordinate this team's work, your best strategy, based on the Hersey model, would be to: a. have a list of tasks to be accomplished and tell each member of the team what he or she must do. b. encourage people to discuss their frustrations in providing this care. c. ignore them—they've done it before. d. provide minimal direction and let them come to you with questions.

ANS: D According to the Hersey model, when ability (skills, job knowledge) and willingness are strong, the role of the delegator is less ("delegating behavior").

Which task is appropriate for the RN to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) provided the delegate has had experience and training? a. Evaluate the ability of a patient to swallow ice after a gastroscopy. b. Assist a patient who is postoperative hip replacement to ambulate with a walker for the first time. c. Change the disposable tracheotomy cannula for a new postoperative tracheotomy patient if secretions are thick and tenacious. d. Obtain a sterile urine sample from a patient with a Foley catheter that is connected to a closed drainage system.

ANS: D Obtaining a sterile urine sample from a patient with a Foley catheter that is connected to a closed drainage system is not an invasive procedure, and risk to the patient is minimal, making the task appropriate for delegation.

When determining the scope of practice for licensed practical nurses (LPN) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), which statement accurately describes the common policies which exist in most state practice acts? a. The RN is held accountable for the decision to delegate, but responsibility rests only with the delegatee. b. The RN may only delegate tasks that are not in the scope of practice of the LPN if the delegatee is certain they are competent to perform the task. c. Since the LPN is licensed, they practice professional nursing. d. To determine what tasks can be safely delegated, the RN must first assess the patient.

ANS: D The stability of the patient must be determined prior to delegation. Even routine tasks such as taking vital signs that are often delegated may need to be performed by the RN when the patient's condition is critical.

Leslie, a UNP, transfers a patient while using improper technique. The patient is injured, and as a result, a suit is launched in which both Sarah (the delegator) and Leslie (the delegatee) are named. Sarah is named in the suit because she: a. retains accountability for the care of the patient. b. worked the same shift as Leslie. c. has passive accountability for delegation. d. retains accountability for the outcomes of care for the patient.

ANS: D Whenever care is provided by someone other than a registered nurse, accountability for care remains with the manager/delegator even though others provide aspects of care.

A nurse has accepted a position at a health care facility that embraces interprofessional collaboration as its model of practice. Which competency should the nurse recognize as being key to interprofessional collaboration? Select all that apply. A. Client-centered care B. Evidence-based practice C. Managing care D. Safety E. Informatics

ANS: A, B, D, E Rationale: According to the Interprofessional Collaborative Practice, the core competencies of interdisciplinary collaboration include client-centered care, evidence-based practice, safety, and informatics. Other core competencies are interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration and quality improvement. Managing care is not a core competency of interdisciplinary collaboration. It is a function of the role of the manager.

The RN instructs the LPN to "Give an enema to the discharged patient in room 327 who is reporting being constipated. Then be sure to document on the medication administration record when given." Which of the five rights was missing in this situation? The right of a. direction and communication. b. task. c. person. d. circumstances.

ANS: A The directions were not clear. The RN did not specify which type of enema to give and what outcome to expect. And the RN gave no instructions related to reporting back.

A patient is admitted with hypotension, shortness of breath, flushing, and hives. All levels of staff have been trained to assess vital signs. Given budget restrictions and proper delegation rules, to which care provider would the RN delegate the task of obtaining the initial blood pressure reading? a. RN b. LPN/LVN c. Unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) d. Since all are trained, the task can be delegated to anyone

ANS: A The patient's condition is not stable; therefore, the skills of an RN are required.

A medical nurse has obtained a new client's health history and has completed the admission assessment. The nurse followed this by documenting the results and creating a care plan for the client. Which of the following is the most important rationale for documenting the client's care? A. It provides continuity of care. B. It creates a teaching log for the family. C. It verifies appropriate staffing levels. D. It keeps the client fully informed.

ANS: A Rationale: This record provides a means of communication among members of the health care team and facilitates coordinated planning and continuity of care. It serves as the legal and business record for a health care agency and for the professional staff members who are responsible for the client's care. Documentation is not primarily a teaching log; it does not verify staffing; and it is not intended to provide the client with information about treatments.

Which task is most likely to be considered in a state's practice act as appropriate to delegate to a LPN/LVN if the patient's condition is stable and competence in the task has been established? a. Administer an enema for an elective surgery patient. b. Administer an antiarrhythmic medication IV while interpreting the patient's rhythm on the cardiac monitor. c. Develop a plan of care for a stable patient admitted for observation after a head injury. d. Teach a patient how to instill eye drops for glaucoma.

ANS: A The RN who is delegating must consider the following: (1) the delegate's current workload and the complexity of the task, (2) whether the staff member is familiar with the patient population and with the task to be performed, and (3) whether the RN is able to provide the appropriate level of supervision. The delegation decision-making tree would also support delegation of this task.

Over the past several decades, nursing roles have changed and expanded in many ways. Which of the following needs has most contributed to this change? A. The need to decrease the cost of health care B. The need to improve the quality of nursing education C. The need to increase the number of nursing jobs available D. The need to increase the public awareness of nursing

ANS: A Rationale: The role of the nurse has expanded to improve the distribution of health care services and to decrease the cost of health care. The other answers are incorrect because the expansion of roles in nursing did not occur to improve education, increase the number of nursing jobs, or increase public awareness.

Which of the following would be most in line with Hersey model and concepts? a. The team of caregivers on day shift are familiar with their roles and with the patients. The nurse manager decides to work on the unit budget in her office. b. After a year of working on the unit, Shari, an LPN, is still hesitant about many policies and procedures. The charge nurse decides to challenge Shari with more difficult patients. c. The nursing supervisor asks one of her charge nurses to lead a technology integration project. The supervisor continuously demands involvement in decisions that the charge nurse is making in the project. d. Team members complain that Alysha, an RN, is unmotivated, and that she refuses assignments that are complex or difficult. The charge nurse suggests that Alysha is relatively new and that she needs time to adjust.

ANS: A The Hersey model/framework suggests that when ability (skills, job knowledge) and willingness are strong, the involvement of the delegator is less.

The nurse is caring for a client with cancer who is undergoing genetic testing. The nurse explains that genetic testing will affect which aspects of the client's care? Select all that apply. A. Screening for genetic mutations B. Diagnosing the specific type of cancer C. Providing information on prognosis D. Choosing specific treatments E. Predicting lifespan

ANS: A, C, D Rationale: Advances in genetic testing have improved the process of screening for genetic mutations in cancer cells, diagnosing specific types of cancer, and choosing specific treatments for certain types of cancers. Genetic testing does not provide information on prognosis nor does it predict lifespan.

The nurse is providing care for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse's most recent assessment reveals an SaO2 of 89%. The nurse is aware that part of critical thinking is determining the significance of data that have been gathered. What characteristic of critical thinking is used in determining the best response to this assessment finding? A. Extrapolation B. Inference C. Characterization D. Interpretation

ANS: D Rationale: Nurses use interpretation to determine the significance of data that are gathered. This specific process is not described as extrapolation, inference, or characterization.

. The night nurse understands that certain factors need to be considered before delegating tasks to others. These factors include the: a. complexity of the task and the age of the delegatee. b. potential for benefit and the complexity of the task. c. potential for benefit and the number of staff. d. complexity of the task and the potential for harm.

ANS: D In delegating tasks to others, the nurse considers factors such as stability of the patient, safety of the situation and of the patient, time and intensity involved, and level of critical thinking required to achieve desired outcomes.

The unit manager is working in a large metropolitan facility and is told that two UNPs are to be assigned to work with her. Delegation begins with: a. acknowledging the arrival of the second UNP on the unit. b. providing clear directions to both UNPs. c. matching tasks with qualified persons. d. receiving reports from the prior shift.

ANS: C In delegating to the UNPs, the nurse must consider what cannot be delegated, as well as the factors of safety, time, critical thinking, and stability of patients.

An RN delegates to an experienced LPN/LVN the task of administering oral medications to a group of patients. The RN then observes the LPN/LVN recording a patient's medication administration just before entering the patient's room. What is the RN's initial intervention? a. Checking the patient's drug packages to ensure that the correct drugs were given. b. Stopping the LPN/LVN immediately and nonjudgmentally discuss the possible consequences of this action. c. Contact the nurse manager and ask that the LPN/LVN's license be suspended. d. Call the pharmacy and ask for replacement medications for the patients.

ANS: B The LPN/LVN has the competency but violated one of the rights of medication administration and is practicing unsafe care. The RN's initial responsibility requires that he or she intervene and identify concerns with the LPN/LVN.

A student nurse is concerned about delegation practices and wonders why hospitals employ unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and LPN/LVNs. The student nurse refers to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and learns that the role of these personnel is to focus on what? a. Supplementing the staffing pattern when an RN is not available b. Aiding the RN by performing appropriately delegated care tasks c. Replacing the RN when the health care facility provides long-term care d. Providing patient teaching, allowing more direct care to be provided by the RN

ANS: B The UAP and LPN/LVN can increase productivity of the RN by performing those tasks that fall within their scope of practice.

An RN is counseled by the nurse manager regarding inappropriate delegation when the RN engages in what activity? a. Instructing the nursing assistant to greet ambulatory surgery patients and show them to their rooms b. When asking a novice nursing assistant to collect a sputum specimen, the RN states, "I will show you this time and you can show me the next time." c. Assigning the float LPN/LVN the task of completing a plan of care for a stable patient who was admitted for routine replacement of a feeding tube d. Asking an LPN/LVN who has demonstrated competence to perform a dressing change before the patient is discharged home

ANS: C Only an RN can initiate and complete a new plan of care; this does not fall within the scope of practice of the LPN/LVN. The RN has violated one of the five rights of delegation.

Which of the following exemplifies accountability? Karen, the nurse manager on 5E: a. consistently submits her budgets on time. b. gets along well with her staff and with other managers. c. outlines her rationale for reduction of RN coverage on nights to the Nursing Practice Committee after serious patient injury. d. actively solicits ideas regarding scheduling from her staff.

ANS: C Reliability, dependability, and obligation to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of the nurse manager are consistent with responsibility. Accountability refers to being answerable for actions and results.

A nurse is involved in a program that aims to increase the use of health informatics. What is the most likely outcome of this program if it is successful? A. Rapid access to client information by everyone involved in the client's care B. Increased participation by clients in their care C. Centralization of care into centers where there are more health professionals D. Increased interprofessional collaboration

ANS: A Rationale: The essence of health informatics is rapid and comprehensive access to client information. This can allow for a decentralization of care and it may or may not cause clients to become more involved in their care. Health informatics alone will not result in interprofessional collaboration.

The nurse on the 7-7 shift is assigning a specific component of care to an unlicensed nursing personnel (UNP) employee. The night nurse would remain: a. accountable. b. responsible. c. authoritative and liable. d. responsible and task-oriented.

ANS: A When a registered nurse delegates care to a UNP, responsibility is transferred; however, accountability for patient care is not transferred. Thus, "accountability rests within the decision to delegate while responsibility rests within the performance of the task" (Anthony and Vidal, 2010, p. 3).

The nurse is evaluating the plan of care for a client who had a total hip replacement. Which action(s) will the nurse perform during this step of the nursing process? Select all that apply. A. Add additional nursing diagnoses to address new problems. B. Change expected outcomes if they are not realistic. C. Check that pain assessments are being performed with vital signs. D. Determine whether priorities need to be reordered. E. Discontinue nursing interventions that are no longer needed.

ANS: A, B, D, E Rationale: During the evaluation step of the nursing process, the nurse determines whether new actual or potential health problems have developed that need to be added to the plan of care. The nurse also checks the outcomes to determine whether they have been resolved, need modification, or whether new outcomes need to be developed. The nurse evaluates the priorities for care to see whether they need to be reordered. As the client's health conditions change, nursing interventions may also need to be added or discontinued. A chart audit to determine whether pain assessments have been completed is not part of the nursing process.

A nurse has been offered a position on an obstetric unit and has learned that the unit offers therapeutic abortions, a procedure that contradicts the nurse's personal beliefs. What is the nurse's ethical obligation to these clients? A. The nurse should adhere to professional standards of practice and offer service to these clients. B. The nurse should make the choice to decline this position and pursue a different nursing role. C. The nurse should decline to care for the clients considering abortion. D. The nurse should express alternatives to women considering terminating their pregnancy.

ANS: B Rationale: To avoid facing the ethical dilemma of providing care that contradicts the nurse's personal beliefs, the nurse should consider working in an area of nursing that would not pose this dilemma. The nurse should not provide care to the client because it is a conflict of personal values. The nurse should not deny care to these clients as this would be a breach in the Code of Ethics for nurses. If the client is not requesting information for alternatives to abortions, then the nurse should not be providing this information.

Which statement made by an RN regarding delegation indicates the need for additional teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) can assess vital signs during the first 5 minutes for a patient who is receiving a blood transfusion because a reaction now is unlikely. b. An LPN/LVN can administer a PPD (tuberculin skin test) if there is no history of a positive PPD. c. When dopamine is ordered continuously, the LPN/LVN can administer dopamine at a low dose for increasing renal perfusion. d. UAPs can transfer a patient who is being discharged home from the wheelchair to the bed if they have received training and demonstrated competency. e. Responsibility can be delegated to the UAP, but the delegator retains accountability.

ANS: A,B,C The statement "UAPs can assess vital signs during the first 5 minutes for a patient who is receiving a blood transfusion because a reaction at this time is unlikely" indicates the need for further teaching because the patient is at highest risk of a reaction during the first few minutes of a blood transfusion; thus, the assessment skills of an RN are required. The statement "an LPN/LVN can administer a PPD (tuberculin skin test) if there is no history of a positive PPD" indicates the need for further teaching because administration of intradermal medication requires the skill of an RN. Dopamine is a vasoactive drug that can have a profound effect on a patient's blood pressure and cardiac output; administration requires the assessment and evaluation skills of an RN.

An 80-year-old client is admitted with a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia. During admission the client states, "I have a living will." What implication of this should the nurse recognize? A. This document is always honored, regardless of circumstances. B. This document specifies the client's wishes before hospitalization. C. This document is binding for the duration of the client's life. D. This document has been drawn up by the client's family to determine DNR status.

ANS: B Rationale: A living will is one type of advance directive. In most situations, living wills are limited to situations in which the client's medical condition is deemed terminal. The other answers are incorrect because living wills are not always honored in every circumstance, they are not binding for the duration of the client's life, and they are not drawn up by the client's family.

The nurse is caring for a client who has developed heart failure. Which intervention is a primary nursing focus in treating this collaborative problem? A. Administering a diuretic B. Monitoring intake and output C. Restricting fluid intake D. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter

ANS: B Rationale: Collaborative problems are physiologic complications that the nurse monitors to detect changes or complications. By monitoring intake and output, the nurse is monitoring the client's fluid status to detect fluid volume overload. While the nurse administers a diuretic, it is prescribed by the health care provider. Likewise, the nurse restricts the intake of fluids or inserts an indwelling urinary catheter in the client, but the interventions are prescribed by the heath care provider.

A nurse has begun creating a client's plan of care shortly after the client's admission. The nurse knows that it is important that the wording of the chosen nursing diagnoses falls within the taxonomy of nursing. Which organization is responsible for developing the taxonomy of a nursing diagnosis? A. American Nurses Association (ANA) B. North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) C. National League for Nursing (NLN) D. Joint Commission

ANS: B Rationale: NANDA International is the official organization responsible for developing the taxonomy of nursing diagnoses and formulating nursing diagnoses acceptable for study. The ANA, NLN, and Joint Commission are not charged with the task of developing the taxonomy of nursing diagnoses.

A nurse on a medical-surgical unit has asked to represent the unit on the hospital's quality committee. When describing quality improvement programs to nursing colleagues and members of other health disciplines, what characteristic should the nurse cite? A. These programs establish consequences for health care professionals' actions. B. These programs emphasize the need for evidence-based practice. C. These programs identify specific incidents related to quality. D. These programs seek to justify health care costs and systems.

ANS: B Rationale: Numerous models seek to improve the quality of health care delivery. A commonality among them is a focus on the importance of evidence-based practice. Consequences, a focus on incidents, and justification for health care costs are not universal characteristics of quality improvement efforts.

A nurse provides care on an orthopedic reconstruction unit and is admitting two new clients, both status post knee replacement. What would be the best explanation why their care plans may be different from each other? A. Clients may have different qualifications for government subsidies. B. Individual clients are seen as unique and dynamic, with individual needs. C. Nursing care may be coordinated by members of two different health disciplines. D. Clients are viewed as dissimilar according to their attitude toward surgery.

ANS: B Rationale: Regardless of the setting, each client situation is viewed as unique and dynamic. Differences in insurance coverage and attitude may be relevant, but these should not fundamentally explain the differences in their nursing care. Nursing care should be planned by nurses, not by members of other disciplines.

While developing the plan of care for a new client on the unit, the nurse must identify expected outcomes that are appropriate for the new client. What resource should the nurse prioritize for identifying these appropriate outcomes? A. Community Specific Outcomes Classification (CSO) B. Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) C. State Specific Nursing Outcomes Classification (SSNOC) D. Department of Health and Human Services Outcomes Classification (DHHSOC)

ANS: B Rationale: Resources for identifying appropriate expected outcomes include the NOC and standard outcome criteria established by health care agencies for people with specific health problems. The other options are incorrect because they do not exist.

The nurse is preparing a wellness program for seniors at a community center. Which concept of wellness should the nurse utilize when planning the program? A. Wellness is the absence of sickness. B. A person needs to be proactive in achieving wellness. C. Each person views wellness in the same way. D. Wellness is static and unchanging.

ANS: B Rationale: Wellness is a proactive state involving self-care activities aimed at physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Wellness exists on a continuum and is not merely the absence of sickness. Wellness is subjective and, therefore, is not the same for each person. Because wellness is the ability to adjust and adapt to varying situations, the definition of wellness can change for a person over time.

You ask Evelyn, a new UNP, to check what is left in Mrs. N.'s inhaler when Evelyn makes visits to Mrs. N. and also to check whether Mrs. N. is receiving any positive effect from the medication. Evelyn reports for 3 weeks that Mrs. N. is using the inhaler and that there is enough medication left in the device. The day of her last visit to Mrs. N., Mrs. N. is admitted to the hospital in severe respiratory distress. When she is admitted, she tells the physician that she has not been using the inhaler for 4 weeks. This incident is an example of: a. incompetence of the UNP. b. failure to follow-through. c. skills but no motivation. d. lack of accountability.

ANS: B The nurse should maintain open lines of communication and seek information, and the UNP should know how, when, and what to report. Communication of delegation of tasks includes specific information about what is being delegated, expected outcomes, and deviations (which includes what immediate action needs to be taken). This 2-way communication and follow-through allows patient care to be altered, if necessary, in a timely manner.

Which situation would be appropriate for the supervisory level of initial direction and/or periodic inspection? a. Experienced RNs work together to provide care for a group of patients newly diagnosed with meningitis. b. The RN assigns the LPN tasks within her scope of practice and checks back during the shift to ensure the tasks are completed correctly. c. A new graduate nurse is assigned care to a male patient with a hematocrit of 11.0 g of hemoglobin per deciliter and is receiving a blood transfusion. The charge nurse checks on the patient status every 15 to 30 minutes and asks the graduate to explain "next steps." d. No supervision is necessary since both are registered nurses.

ANS: B When a working relationship is established and competencies of the delegate established, the delegator may check in during intermittently during the shift.

During a fire drill, the nurse manager becomes very assertive and directive in her communications with staff. This type of situational leadership depends on: a. supportive behavior by the leader and immature followers. b. the development level of the followers and the behavior based on the situation. c. well-developed followers combined with a strong leader who acts quickly. d. the leader's ability to evaluate personnel and communicate that evaluation.

ANS: B When abilities, relationships, and/or time is limited (as in a crisis situation), the leader assumes a bigger role in guiding and in making decisions, or "telling" behavior. Leaders need to behavior differently and use different leadership styles in different situations.

You ask Evelyn, a new UNP, to check what is left in Mrs. N.'s inhaler when Evelyn makes visits to Mrs. N. and also to check whether Mrs. N. is receiving any positive effect from the medication. Evelyn reports for 3 weeks that Mrs. N. is using the inhaler and that there is enough medication left in the device. The day of her last visit to Mrs. N., Mrs. N. is admitted to the hospital in severe respiratory distress. When she is admitted, she tells the physician that she has not been using the inhaler for 4 weeks. Before assigning Evelyn to Mrs. N.'s care, the most appropriate action of the care coordinator would have been to: a. determine Evelyn's educational background and preparation for this role. b. ask Evelyn if she has worked with inhalers before and to describe what she knows about them. c. advise that if Evelyn has any questions about what to do with the inhaler, she should come to the coordinator. d. advise Evelyn that working the inhaler is not really complicated and that she should ask the patient how to check medication levels in the inhaler.

ANS: B When delegating tasks, in addition to specifying the task to be completed, outcomes, priorities, time lines, deviations, report time frames, monitoring, and resources, asking the delegatee to give examples of each is helpful in ensuring that communication is clear and has been understood. Preparation of UNPs lacks consistency; therefore, the safest practice is to determine the knowledge and skill level of the UNP in relation to the skill and the patient before delegating.

Which of the following indicates safe delegation? a. The nurse supervisor for a large urban acute care department asks the unit manager to accept two new acutely ill patients, which the manager does. The unit is short two staff, and the replacement is inexperienced. b. A unit manager agrees to release a staff from her unit to Unit B. The staff member she agrees to release is experienced on Unit B and is agreeable to the change. The unit manager's unit is fully staffed and patients are stable. c. The nurse supervisor asks the head nurse for Unit A to make do without a replacement for an ill staff member because Unit A was originally overstaffed anyway. Patient acuity levels are very high on Unit A and two staff are orientating. d. The nurse supervisor asks the charge nurse on Unit B to cover Unit F, which is two floors up, because the charge nurse for Unit F is ill. The charge nurse for Unit B is an experienced manager but has no experience with the nursing care required on Unit F.

ANS: B When span of control (number of individuals for whom a manager is responsible) is compromised by geographic factors such as lack of proximity, instability in patients' conditions, or lack of experience, the span of control that is being delegated may lead to unsafe care.

An RN colleague, who is a long-standing and collaborative member of your team, is performing a complex dressing with new orders written for the first time for the assigned patient. Which of the following would be the most appropriate communication with her? a. "How do you usually do this kind of dressing?" b. "The dressing needs to be done today and tomorrow with the supplies on this cart." c. "Here is what you need for the dressing, and I will show you what needs to be done." d. "I know you know what you are doing. Let me know if you have any problems."

ANS: C If a situation involves a new task and the relationship is ongoing (two individuals who will usually continue to work together), the delegator explains what to do and how to do it. Hersey described the leader's behavior as explaining or persuading, which, is characterized as "selling." The RN who is assigned to the patient is an experienced nurse and team member, but is new to this specific situation. In situations where the nurse is experienced but the task is new, explain (and demonstrate) what needs to be done.

A nurse moves from California to Arkansas and due to having 20 years of experience as a registered nurse is immediately placed in charge of the telemetry unit. The staffing consists of LPNs and two unlicensed assistive personnel. The RN is unsure of the scope of practice of the LPNs and reviews the nurse practice act for Arkansas, which lacks clarity on some tasks. What should the RN do to best acquire the necessary information? a. Query the state nursing association to determine their stance on the role of LPNs. b. Ask the LPNs on the unit to list what tasks they routinely performed. c. Contact the state board of nursing to determine legal scope of practice for LPNs. d. Refer to California's nurse practice act because the scope of LPNs/LVNs is consistent across the United States.

ANS: C If the nurse practice act lacks clarity, the state board of nursing can provide guidance

A recent nursing graduate is aware of the differences between nursing actions that are independent and nursing actions that are interdependent. A nurse performs an interdependent nursing intervention when performing which of the following actions? A. Auscultating a client's apical heart rate during an admission assessment B. Providing mouth care to a client who is unconscious following a cerebrovascular accident C. Administering an IV bolus of normal saline to a client with hypotension D. Providing discharge teaching to a postsurgical client about the rationale for a course of oral antibiotics

ANS: C Rationale: Although many nursing actions are independent, others are interdependent, such as carrying out prescribed treatments; administering medications and therapies; collaborating with other health care team members to accomplish specific, expected outcomes; and to monitor and manage potential complications. Irrigating a wound, administering pain medication, and administering IV fluids are interdependent nursing actions and require a health care provider's order. An independent nursing action occurs when the nurse assesses a client's heart rate, provides discharge education, or provides mouth care.

The nurse is caring for a client whose family members are in a bitter conflict about the best course of treatment for the client. How should the nurse best address this challenging situation? A. Seek guidance from the client's primary health care provider. B. Offer to act as a mediator in the family's conflict. C. Involve the institution's ethics committee. D. Educate the client about the need for assertiveness skills.

ANS: C Rationale: Challenging ethical or moral situations often benefit from the involvement of the ethics committee. Acting independently in the role of mediator likely goes beyond the nurse's skill and scope of practice. The primary health care provider likely cannot resolve this issue independently. Assertiveness on the part of the client may or may not be beneficial.

In the process of planning a client's care, the nurse has identified a nursing diagnosis of Ineffective Health Maintenance related to alcohol use. What must precede the determination of this nursing diagnosis? A. Establishing of a plan to address the underlying problem B. Assigning a positive value to each consequence of the diagnosis C. Collecting and analyzing data that corroborate the diagnosis D. Evaluating the client's chances of recovery

ANS: C Rationale: In the diagnostic phase of the nursing process, the client's nursing problems are defined through analysis of client data. Establishing a plan comes after collecting and analyzing data; evaluating a plan is the last step of the nursing process; and assigning a positive value to each consequence is not done.

A hospice nurse is caring for a client who is dying of lymphoma. According to the Maslow hierarchy of needs, what dimension of care should the nurse consider primary in importance when caring for a dying client? A. Spiritual B. Social C. Physiologic D. Emotional

ANS: C Rationale: Maslow ranked human needs as follows: physiologic needs; safety and security; sense of belonging and affection; esteem and self-respect; and self-actualization, which includes self-fulfillment, desire to know and understand, and aesthetic needs.

A medical-surgical nurse is aware of the scope of practice as defined in the jurisdiction where the nurse provides care. When exploring the legal basis for the scope of practice, the nurse should consult: A. codes of ethics. B. a code of nursing conduct. C. the nurse practice act in the nurse's jurisdiction. D. client preferences and norms within the profession.

ANS: C Rationale: Nurses have a responsibility to comply with the nurse practice act of the jurisdiction in which they practice. A nurse's scope of practice is not determined by codes of ethics, codes of conduct, or client preferences.

A hospital audit reveals that four clients in the hospital have current orders for restraints. The nurse knows that restraints are an intervention of last resort, and that it is inappropriate to apply restraints to which of the following clients? A. A postlaryngectomy client who is attempting to pull out the tracheostomy tube B. A client in hypovolemic shock trying to remove the dressing over a central venous catheter C. A client with urosepsis who is ringing the call bell incessantly to use the bedside commode D. A client with depression who has just tried to commit suicide and whose medications are not achieving adequate symptom control

ANS: C Rationale: Restraints should never be applied for staff convenience. The client with urosepsis who is frequently ringing the call bell is requesting assistance to the bedside commode; this is appropriate behavior that will not result in client harm. The other described situations could plausibly result in client harm; therefore, it is more appropriate to apply restraints in these instances.

A nurse is aware that an increasing emphasis is being placed on health, health promotion, wellness, and self-care. Which of the following activities would best demonstrate the principles of health promotion? A. A discharge planning initiative between acute care and community care nurses B. Collaboration between several schools of nursing in an urban area C. Creation of a smoking prevention program undertaken in a middle school D. Establishment of a website where clients can check emergency department wait-times

ANS: C Rationale: Smoking prevention is a clear example of health promotion. Each of the other listed activities has the potential to be beneficial, but none is considered health promotion.

The nurse, in collaboration with the client's family, is determining priorities related to the care of the client. The nurse explains that it is important to consider the urgency of specific problems when setting priorities. What should the nurse adopt as the best framework for prioritizing client problems? A. Availability of hospital resources B. Family member statements C. Maslow hierarchy of needs D. The nurse's skill set

ANS: C Rationale: The Maslow hierarchy of needs provides a useful framework for prioritizing problems, with the first level given to meeting physical needs of the client. Availability of hospital resources, family member statements, and nursing skill do not provide a framework for prioritization of client problems, though each may be considered.

A nurse has been providing ethical care for many years and is aware of the need to maintain the ethical principle of nonmaleficence. Which of the following actions would be considered a violation of this principle? A. Discussing a DNR order with a terminally ill client B. Assisting a semi-independent client with ADLs C. Refusing to administer pain medication as prescribed D. Providing more care for one client than for another

ANS: C Rationale: The duty not to inflict as well as prevent and remove harm is termed nonmaleficence. Discussing a DNR order with a terminally ill client and assisting a client with ADLs would not be considered contradictions to the nurse's duty of nonmaleficence. Some clients justifiably require more care than others.

An RN makes the following assignments at the beginning of the shift. Which assignment would be considered high-risk delegation? a. A novice RN is assigned a patient with diabetes mellitus requiring mixing of regular and NPH insulin. b. An LPN is assigned an older adult with pneumonia and who requires dressing changes on a foot wound. c. An unlicensed assistive person (UAP) is assigned the task of assisting a patient with late stages of Huntington's disease to ambulate. d. A float RN from the oncology unit is assigned a patient with a white blood cell count of 4000 mm3 .

ANS: C Risk of falling is great in later stages of Huntington's disease due to chorea movements; this makes it inappropriate to delegate ambulation to the UAP.

An RN recently relocated to another region of the country and immediately assumed the role of charge nurse. When determining the appropriate person to whom to delegate, the RN bases decisions on what fact? a. The role of the LPN/LVN is the same from state to state. b. The LPN/LVN can be taught to perform all the duties of an RN if approved by the employer and if additional on-the-job training is provided. c. Review of the state's nurse practice act for LPN/LVNs is vital since it defines the role and scope of practice of the LPN/LVN. d. The Joint Commission has certified and established roles for the LPN/LVN.

ANS: C The scope of practice of the LPN/LVN varies significantly from state to state; RNs should know the LPN/LVN nurse practice act in the state in which they practice and should understand the legal scope of practice of the LPN/LVN.

An LPN/LVN has transferred to a nursing unit and arrives for the first day. The RN checks with the LPN/LVN often throughout the shift to provide support and determine if assistance is needed. The RN is providing which level of supervision? a. There is no supervision, because at times the LPN/LVN is not with the RN. b. Periodic inspection is being used. Because the LPN/LVN is licensed, the RN is relieved of the need to evaluate care. c. Continual supervision is being provided until the RN determines competency. d. Initial supervision is being provided because this is the LPN/LVN's first day on the unit.

ANS: C This level of supervision is required when the working relationship is new, the task is complex, or the delegate is inexperienced or has not demonstrated an acceptable level of competence.

The charge nurse is making patient assignments for the next shift on the unit. There is one critical patient on the unit, who is going to require more care than the other patients. Before delegating this patient in an assignment, what is the appropriate action by the charge nurse? a. Delegate the admission assessment to the LPN. b. Review the employee's performance assessment for the most recent period. c. Assess the amount of guidance and support needed for the nursing care of the patient. d. Create a task analysis of critical behaviors for the individual.

ANS: C To delegate effectively, the charge nurse must assess the abilities required in the situation and the abilities that staff have to anticipate the amount of direction, monitoring, explanation, and independence that can be assumed.

County Hospital has position descriptions for all staff, including RN Team Leaders. Sarah, a team leader on the rehab unit, assesses the needs of the patients in her area, assesses the skills and backgrounds of each of the individuals on her team, and then assigns and delegates the appropriate care provider to each patient and task. Sarah's activity in the example described is termed: a. passive delegation. b. passive accountability. c. active delegation. d. active responsibility.

ANS: C When a position description contains functions that are considered to be the normal practice of the person in that role, then it is considered a passive delegation act. When Sarah decides what is best for the patients in her care in terms of who should perform the care and then holds the person accountable, she is engaging in active delegation.

County Hospital has position descriptions for all staff, including RN Team Leaders. Sarah, a team leader on the rehab unit, assesses the needs of the patients in her area, assesses the skills and backgrounds of each of the individuals on her team, and then assigns and delegates the appropriate care provider to each patient and task. Sarah provides Colleen, her RN colleague with details regarding the patients to whom Colleen has been assigned on the day shift. This is an example of: a. accountability. b. responsibility. c. assignment. d. delegation.

ANS: C When an RN assigns care to another RN, it is termed an assignment and not delegation, because both accountability and responsibility are transferred.

When considering the feasibility of an all-RN staff, a nursing administrator determines what fact concerning the RN's role? (Select all that apply.) a. They are generally costlier and less efficient than LPNs. b. They are usually more reactive than proactive to patient care errors. c. They have a positive effect on patient outcomes when managing patient care. d. They are effective overseers of patients' overall health condition. e. Their training makes them effective care delegators.

ANS: C, D, E RNs are effective at coordinating care that results in improved patient outcomes. RNs are valuable monitors of a patient's health status—a practice that results in improved patient outcomes and effective delegation of care.

Which statement related to delegation is correct? a. The practice of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is defined in the nurse practice act. b. Nursing practice can be delegated only when the LPN/LVN and UAP have received adequate training. c. Supervision is not required when routine tasks are delegated to a competent individual. d. The RN must be knowledgeable about the laws and regulations that govern nursing practice, as well as those that have no clearly defined parameters, such as for UAP.

ANS: D Accountability remains with the RN, and he or she is responsible for knowing what tasks can be delegated and what is defined as nursing practice.

In delegating to a UNP in a home health setting, which of the following represents the most appropriate delegation communication? a. "You will be taking care of Mrs. S., who needs assistance with her bath." b. "You will need to help Mrs. S. get into and out of her shower. Ensure that you check the condition of her feet, and let me know if you have any concerns when you check in." c. "I am not sure that you know how to do this, but I am giving you Mrs. S. She is quite obese and needs skin care." d. "Mrs. S. needs help to get into and out of her bathtub. Her bath will need to be completed by 10:00. When you are helping her to dry, please check between her toes and toenails, and phone me by 10:30 if you notice nail discoloration or redness."

ANS: D Delegation communication includes what is being delegated (and what is not), outcomes, specific deadlines (if applicable), specific reporting guidelines (what, when), and who may be consulted. Communication also includes conveying recognition of the authority to do what is expected.

The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Using the Maslow hierarchy of needs, which nursing diagnosis should the nurse give the highest priority? A. Activity intolerance B. Situational low self-esteem C. Toileting self-care deficit D. Ineffective airway clearance

ANS: D Rationale: After nursing diagnoses have been developed, the nurse assigns priorities based on the urgency of the problem. The Maslow hierarchy of needs is one framework the nurse can utilize to prioritize needs. Using the Maslow hierarchy of needs, maintaining a patent airway would have the highest priority since it satisfies a basic physiologic need. Activity intolerance, self-esteem, and inability to toilet oneself are all important problems but would be handled after clearing the airway has been addressed and oxygenation and perfusion have been assured.

A nurse is admitting a new client to the medical unit. During the initial nursing assessment, the nurse has asked many supplementary open-ended questions while gathering information about the new client. What is the nurse achieving through this approach? A. Interpreting what the client has said B. Evaluating what the client has said C. Assessing what the client has said D. Validating what the client has said

ANS: D Rationale: Critical thinkers validate the information presented to make sure that it is accurate (not just supposition or opinion), that it makes sense, and that it is based on fact and evidence. The nurse is not interpreting, evaluating, or assessing the information the client has given.

The nurse has been asked to speak to members of a self-care education program. What topic would the nurse most likely address? A. Adequate prenatal care B. Government advocacy and lobbying C. Judicious use of online communities D. Management of illness

ANS: D Rationale: Organized self-care education programs emphasize health promotion, disease prevention, management of illness, self-care, and judicious use of the professional health care system. Prenatal care, lobbying, and Internet activities are secondary.

The nurse has been assigned to care for a client admitted with an opportunistic infection secondary to AIDS. The nurse informs the clinical nurse leader that the nurse refuses to care for a client with AIDS. The nurse has an obligation to this client under which of the following? A. Good Samaritan Act B. Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) C. The nurse practice act in the nurse's jurisdiction D. International Council of Nurses (ICN) Code of Ethics for Nurses

ANS: D Rationale: The ethical obligation to care for all clients is included in the Code of Ethics for Nurses. The Good Samaritan Act relates to lay people helping others in need. The NIC is a standardized classification of nursing treatment that includes independent and collaborative interventions. Nurse practice acts primarily address scope of practice.

The provider has recommended an amniocentesis for an 18-year-old primiparous client. The client is at 34 weeks' gestation and does not want this procedure, but the health care provider arranges for the amniocentesis to be performed. The nurse should recognize that the provider is in violation of which ethical principle? A. Veracity B. Beneficence C. Nonmaleficence D. Autonomy

ANS: D Rationale: The principle of autonomy specifies that individuals have the ability to make a choice free from external constraints. The provider's actions in this case violate this principle. This action may or may not violate the principle of beneficence. Veracity centers on truth-telling, and nonmaleficence is avoiding the infliction of harm.

A nurse is delegating to the newly hired nursing unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) the task of assisting with oral hygiene, knowing that this assignment "does not require decisions based on the nursing process." The nurse is correctly using which of the five rights of delegation? a. Supervision b. Communication c. Person d. Circumstance

ANS: D Right circumstance involves the delegation of tasks that do not require independent nursing judgments.

Sally is an experienced nurse on the unit and is very experienced with ICP monitoring. She is assigned David, a patient who has been admitted with a severe head injury. In communicating with Sally, what does is an appropriate action by the charge nurse? a. Provide a detailed explanation of what she needs to do with ICP monitoring. b. Tell her when she needs to provide an update about David's status. c. Ask her to tell you what she knows about ICP monitoring and share expectations about reporting. d. Advise her that you are available if she needs you.

ANS: D The charge nurse and Sally have a well-established relationship and Sally has the expertise to work effectively with David; therefore, the charge nurse would need to provide little guidance but would need to communicate that they are available if needed. Hersey refers to this leader behavior as "delegating."

During orientation, an RN learns that LPN/LVNs in the facility receive additional training to perform some tasks such as hanging continuously infusing intravenous fluids that have no additives. It is important for the RN to understand that what is the basis for this practice? a. The health care facility can override the state practice act by having all LPN/LVNs and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) participate in on-site training. b. LPN/LVNs are licensed, and accountability for their own practice rests with each LPN/LVN. c. The RN can determine what tasks are legally delegable to the LPN/LVNs on his/her care team. d. The nurse practice act and state regulations related to delegation override the organization's policies.

ANS: D The state's nurse practice act is the deciding factor regarding what can legally be delegated.

A key advantage that a charge nurse has in terms of delegating is that: a. clients receive less attention because too many staff make it difficult to coordinate care. b. nurses report less pressure to perform necessary tasks themselves. c. administration can predict overtime more accurately. d. team skills can be used more effectively.

ANS: D The use of multilevel healthcare providers enables healthcare organizations and nursing to provide patient-centered care, with a focus on abilities and skills that can be employed to perform "what is needed now." As tasks become more complicated, delegating skills to others enables the nurse to effectively deliver a complex level of care.

You are working in a home health service and have three unlicensed nursing personnel (UNPs) assigned to your team. You have worked with two of them for 2 years; the third is new. The two experienced UNPs have patients with complex illnesses for whom they provide basic care. The third member of the team has been assigned to patients with less complex illnesses. Your best approach to supervising their care is to: a. remain in the office and ask each UNP to check in with you upon arrival at their first patient care site. b. ask another RN to supervise the two experienced assistants so you can be with the new person full time. c. meet the new staff member at the first patient care site and ask the others to call if anything is unusual. d. meet the new staff member at the first patient care site and call the others with questions to determine whether anything is unusual. .

ANS: D When ability and willingness are strong, the involvement of the delegator is needed less