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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?

A.

Notifying the caregiver of the findings.

B.

Including findings during hand-off report.

C.

Documenting suspicions in the client's medical record

D.

Reporting findings to social services.

Answer and Explanation

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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Related Questions

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

Explanation

  • 3-month history of unplanned weight loss, increased sweating, heat intolerance, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping: These symptoms are classic for hyperthyroidism and suggest worsening metabolic imbalance. They require follow-up because untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to serious complications like thyroid storm.
  • Reports last menstrual period was 3 months ago: Amenorrhea or menstrual irregularities are common in hyperthyroidism due to hormonal disruption. This finding supports the diagnosis and needs follow-up for endocrine and reproductive health management.
  • Exophthalmos noted: Exophthalmos, or bulging eyes, is associated with Graves' disease and indicates autoimmune involvement affecting the orbital tissues. It can lead to complications like corneal ulceration or vision loss if severe and thus requires ophthalmologic evaluation.
  • Goiter visualized on neck: A visible goiter reflects thyroid gland enlargement, often due to hyperstimulation from excess thyroid hormones. It requires ongoing monitoring to assess for airway compromise, dysphagia, or further gland enlargement.
  • Client’s partner reports irritability and anxiety: Behavioral and mood changes like irritability and anxiety are manifestations of hyperthyroidism affecting neurological function. Persistent symptoms can impair quality of life and must be addressed as part of comprehensive treatment planning.

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"B"}

Explanation

  • request a prescription for an increase in statin medication: Although the client's total cholesterol is elevated at 230 mg/dL, adjusting lipid management is not the immediate priority during an acute chest pain episode. The immediate focus should be stabilizing airway, breathing, and circulation.
  • prepare the client for cardiac catheterization: Cardiac catheterization may ultimately be needed to assess coronary artery blockages, but before this, the client must be stabilized with oxygen and medications to control chest pain and improve oxygenation.
  • administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula: The client’s oxygen saturation dropped to 92% on room air, which is low for someone experiencing chest pain and possible myocardial ischemia. Administering supplemental oxygen improves myocardial oxygen supply and reduces cardiac workload, addressing airway and breathing priorities.
  • check a STAT cardiac troponin: The client’s initial troponin level was normal, but troponin can take several hours to rise after myocardial injury. While monitoring serial troponins is important, managing oxygenation and chest pain relief takes precedence right now.
  • administer sublingual nitroglycerin: After ensuring oxygenation, sublingual nitroglycerin should be administered to relieve chest pain by dilating coronary arteries and decreasing myocardial oxygen demand. It helps reduce ischemia and may prevent further cardiac injury.
  • request a prescription for a beta-blocker: Beta-blockers help control heart rate and blood pressure but are not the immediate first-line response for active chest pain and oxygen desaturation. Oxygen and nitroglycerin must be prioritized first to address the acute ischemic event.

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