A nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient should the nurse see first?
A patient with hypercapnia wearing an oxygen mask
A patient with a chest tube ambulating with the chest tube unclamped
A patient with thick secretions being tracheal suctioned first and then orally
A patient with a new tracheostomy and tracheostomy obturator at bedside
The Correct Answer is B
A. A patient with hypercapnia requires monitoring, but wearing an oxygen mask indicates some level of intervention is in place.
B. A patient with a chest tube should never ambulate with the chest tube unclamped, as this can lead to a collapsed lung and respiratory distress; thus, this patient should be prioritized.
C. While a patient with thick secretions may need suctioning, this is not as critical as ensuring the safety of a patient with an unclamped chest tube.
D. A patient with a new tracheostomy requires monitoring, but the presence of the obturator indicates readiness for emergencies; this does not take priority over the safety of the patient with the chest tube.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While the patient may have been in a life-threatening situation, this point is not necessarily a direct indictment of the nurse’s actions but rather a justification for performing CPR.
B. The prosecution will likely focus on whether the CPR was performed according to accepted standards of care. If it can be shown that the technique was inappropriate or negligent, this would support the claim of malpractice.
C. Performing CPR according to policy may serve as a defense for the nurse, emphasizing adherence to established protocols.
D. While it is true that older adults with brittle bones may be at risk for fractures, this is a known risk of CPR, and the prosecution will aim to demonstrate specific negligence or failure in technique rather than just acknowledging inherent risks.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Certification relates to additional qualifications and does not directly involve independent nursing actions in patient care.
B. Licensure is the legal permission to practice nursing but does not describe decision-making and action in patient care.
C. Autonomy is demonstrated when the nurse independently assesses the patient’s fluid status and takes action to promote health by encouraging fluid intake. This reflects the nurse’s ability to make decisions and act based on professional judgment.
D. Accountability refers to being responsible for one's actions but does not specifically cover the independent decision-making shown here.