The nurse is caring for a 65-year-old Jehovah's Witness who is having severe gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient's hemoglobin is dangerously low
The patient, who is fully alert and competent, refuses to accept the blood transfusion ordered by the physician. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Ensure the patient understands possible consequences, and then respect the patient's wishes.
b. Obtain a court order to give the blood.
c. Have the patient's spouse sign the consent to have the blood administered.
d. Administer the blood while the patient is sleeping.
ANS: A
Patients' beliefs should be respected even when you do not agree with their decisions. First, however, it is important to be certain that the patient understands the consequences of his or her decisions. Administering the blood without the patient's knowledge or consent (B, C, or D) is unethical.
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A client suffered what seems to be a moderate electrical burn from contact with household electricity. However, the physician wants to admit the client for monitoring. When questioned about this decision, the best answer by the nurse is
a. "I am not sure but I can find out for you." b. "It is our protocol that all electrical burns get admitted." c. "With household current, there is great risk of cardiac rhythm problems." d. "You need to be watched for fractures that can occur under normal use."
A client has a history of hypocalcemia. What intervention is most important for the nurse to add to this client's care plan?
a. Push fluids to 2 L/day. b. Strain all urine output. c. Use nonslip footwear to get out of bed. d. Position the client supine twice a day.
The nurse is providing end-of-life care for a client with end-stage cancer. In which of the following specialties is this nurse employed?
A) Acute care nursing B) Hospice care C) Extended-care D) Travel nursing
Oral malignancies are more likely to develop:
A) on the soft palate B) on the tongue C) in the buccal cavity D) under the tongue