A nurse is assisting in the care of an older adult. The client appears to be malnourished and bruising is noted on their arms and legs. The nurse should identify which of the following as the legal responsibility of the nurse?
Notifying the caregiver of the findings.
Including findings during hand-off report.
Documenting suspicions in the client's medical record
Reporting findings to social services.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Notifying the caregiver of the findings: If the caregiver is potentially involved in abuse or neglect, informing them directly could put the client at further risk. The nurse must follow appropriate reporting channels rather than confront the caregiver.
B. Including findings during hand-off report: While communication during hand-off is important for continuity of care, it does not fulfill the nurse’s legal obligation to formally report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.
C. Documenting suspicions in the client's medical record: Accurate and objective documentation of findings is important, but simply recording observations in the medical record does not meet the legal responsibility to report suspected abuse.
D. Reporting findings to social services: Nurses are mandated reporters and must legally report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate protective services. Reporting ensures that an investigation can occur to protect the client from further harm.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A nursing colleague documenting vitals in the electronic medical record (EMR) of a client that the colleague is caring for: This is appropriate documentation practice. Nurses are responsible for documenting client information in the EMR when they provide direct care, ensuring accurate and timely records.
B. A nursing colleague printing material that does not contain identifiable information from a client's electronic medical record (EMR) for professional use: If no identifiable client information is included, and it is for professional, educational, or training purposes, this action is acceptable and does not violate confidentiality.
C. A nursing colleague discussing a client's diagnosis with another staff member on the unit who is not involved in the client's care: Discussing confidential client information with staff not directly involved in the client's care is a violation of HIPAA and breaches client privacy. Only staff responsible for the client's care should access or discuss their health information.
D. A nursing colleague discussing a client's treatment plan with another nurse on the unit as part of the end-of-shift handoff report: This is appropriate because handoff reports ensure continuity of care. Discussing necessary client information with the next caregiver is essential for safe, effective client management.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is not typically a direct indicator of unrelieved pain. It could suggest neurological or throat-related issues rather than being a primary symptom associated with inadequate pain control.
B. Constipation: Constipation is a common postoperative complication, often related to anesthesia, immobility, or opioid use. While it is important to address, it does not directly reflect the client's current pain level or effectiveness of pain management.
C. Urinary retention: Urinary retention can occur due to anesthesia effects, pelvic surgery, or opioid administration. Although it is a significant postoperative concern, it is not a reliable or direct indicator of unrelieved pain.
D. Restlessness: Restlessness is a common sign of unrelieved pain, particularly in postoperative clients. When clients are uncomfortable or in significant pain, they may appear restless, anxious, or unable to remain still, signaling the need for further pain assessment and intervention.
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