An obstetric nurse comes across an automobile accident. The driver seems to have a crushed upper airway, and while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive, the nurse makes a cut in the trachea and inserts a straw from a purse to provide an airway. The patient survives and has a permanent problem with vocal cords, making it difficult to talk. Which statement is true regarding the nurse's performance?
The nurse stayed within the guidelines of the Good Samaritan Law.
The nurse acted appropriately and saved the patient's life.
The nurse should have just stayed with the patient and waited for help.
The nurse took actions beyond those that are standard and appropriate.
The Correct Answer is D
A. The Good Samaritan Law typically protects individuals who provide care in emergency situations but may not apply if the actions taken are beyond the standard of care or are not in the nurse's training.
B. While the nurse's intention was to save the patient's life, the method employed was not a recognized standard procedure for airway management and may have caused harm.
C. Waiting for help may not have been an appropriate option if the patient's airway was compromised, but the method employed by the nurse was not advisable.
D. Cutting into the trachea and using a straw as a makeshift airway are actions that exceed the typical scope of nursing practice and could be deemed inappropriate, regardless of the outcome for the patient.
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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","F"]
Explanation
A. Applying knowledge of disease processes is essential in preventing the spread of infections and understanding transmission routes.
B. Proper disposal of supplies is crucial in minimizing the risk of cross-contamination and infection spread.
C. Checking the negative-pressure system is critical to ensure it functions properly to contain airborne pathogens.
D. Hand hygiene is a key practice in preventing infection and should be performed before and after patient contact in both scenarios.
E. This statement is misleading; while some precautions may overlap, there are specific differences that must be addressed in interventions for airborne versus contact precautions.
F. It is important for patients in airborne precautions to wear a mask during transportation to prevent the spread of infectious particles.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Identifying immobility hazards requires clinical judgment and assessment skills that are beyond the scope of nursing assistive personnel.
B. Determining the level of comfort is a subjective assessment that should be done by a nurse to ensure accurate interpretation of the patient’s condition.
C. Changing the patient's position can be safely delegated to nursing assistive personnel, as it is a straightforward task that does not require advanced clinical judgment.
D. Assessing circulation involves evaluating the patient's vital signs and other parameters, which should be performed by a nurse to ensure comprehensive care and assessment.