A client with frequent watery stools and a possible Clostridium difficile infection is hospitalized with dehydration. Which nursing action should the charge nurse assign to an LPN?

Performing assessments of the client's hydration status.

Administering the prescribed metronidazole 500 mg orally to the client.

Reviewing client's medical history for any risk factors for diarrhea.

Explaining the purpose of the ordered stool cultures to the client and family.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   While LPNs can perform some assessments, the charge nurse should assign this task to an RN. Assessing hydration status requires critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of the client's overall clinical condition, which typically falls within the RN’s scope of practice.
B.   Administering medications, including antibiotics like metronidazole, is within the scope of practice for LPNs. As long as the LPN is competent in administering medications and there are no specific contraindications for the client, this task can be appropriately assigned.
C.   This task involves critical thinking and comprehensive analysis of the client's medical history, which is typically conducted by an RN. While LPNs may review aspects of the medical history, the charge nurse should assign more complex evaluations and assessments to RNs.
D.   While LPNs can provide some patient education, explaining the rationale behind specific tests, especially in the context of complex infections, typically requires the knowledge and expertise of an RN. This task may involve more detailed clinical reasoning and the ability to address specific questions and concerns that the client or family may have.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While this situation raises ethical considerations, particularly regarding adolescent confidentiality, the nurse is not justified in overriding the client's right to confidentiality solely based on the request. In many jurisdictions, minors may have the right to confidentiality about reproductive health issues, though this can vary.
B. The nurse is generally required to respect this client's confidentiality. Unless there is a specific safety concern (e.g., domestic violence), the nurse should honor the client's request to keep this information private. Confidentiality should be upheld unless there is a clear and immediate risk of harm.
C. In this situation, the nurse may be justified in overriding the client’s confidentiality due to the disclosure of potential abuse. Healthcare professionals are often mandated reporters in cases of suspected abuse or neglect, particularly involving vulnerable populations such as older adults. The nurse has a duty to report this situation to ensure the safety of the client.
D. A client's wish not to know their diagnostic results does not justify overriding their confidentiality. The nurse must respect the client’s autonomy and decision-making regarding their own health information. The nurse should provide support and discuss the implications of this decision but should not disclose the results without the client’s consent.

A. The client has ulcerative colitis. B. The client eats mostly prepackaged, processed foods. C. The client has had treatment for gastrointestinal cancer. D. The client has had gastric bypass surgery. E. The client eats red meat daily.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

A. Ulcerative colitis can lead to iron deficiency anemia due to chronic inflammation, intestinal bleeding, and malabsorption of nutrients. The disease often affects the colon, which can result in blood loss and inadequate iron absorption.
B. A diet high in prepackaged and processed foods is often low in essential nutrients, including iron. These foods may lack whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other sources of dietary iron, increasing the risk of iron deficiency anemia.
C. Treatment for gastrointestinal cancer, such as surgery or chemotherapy, can lead to changes in absorption and increased risk of bleeding. This history can significantly elevate the risk for developing iron deficiency anemia due to potential blood loss and malabsorption issues.
D. Gastric bypass surgery can lead to iron deficiency anemia due to reduced stomach size and changes in the gastrointestinal tract that impair nutrient absorption. Patients often need to supplement their diet with iron and other vitamins after surgery.
E. Eating red meat daily is generally associated with an adequate intake of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant sources. While it's important to consider overall dietary patterns, this particular factor does not typically pose a risk for iron deficiency anemia.

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A client with frequent watery stools and a possible Clostridium difficile infection is hospitalized with dehydration. Which nursing action should the charge nurse assign to an LPN?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

In which situation would the nurse be justified in overriding a client's right to confidentiality?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is obtaining a health history from a client. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as possible risk factors for iron deficiency anemia?(Select All that Apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

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