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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Your baby needs to suck on a pacifier.": While non-nutritive sucking on a pacifier can sometimes soothe a fussy baby, it is not the first recommendation, especially for a newborn who is establishing breastfeeding. Early introduction of pacifiers can interfere with successful breastfeeding due to nipple confusion.
B. "Breastfed babies are usually fussy from swallowing too much air during feedings.": Although some air swallowing can occur, especially if the latch is poor, this is not typically the primary reason for persistent crying. Addressing crying with soothing techniques like swaddling is a more immediate and supportive intervention for the parent.
C. "Swaddling your baby snugly in a blanket might help soothe her.": Swaddling provides warmth, security, and a sense of being back in the womb, which can calm a newborn effectively. It reduces the startle reflex and helps regulate the baby's nervous system, often resulting in decreased crying and improved comfort.
D. "Breastfed babies often need to be supplemented with formula.": Routine supplementation with formula is not recommended for healthy breastfed newborns unless there are clear medical indications. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding supports optimal nutrition, bonding, and gut health in the early postpartum period.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Temperature of 37.2° C (99.0° F): A temperature of 37.2° C is within the normal range and does not necessarily indicate infection. Mild temperature elevations are common in the immediate postoperative period due to inflammatory responses rather than infection, which typically presents with more significant fever.
B. Elevated WBC count: An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is a classic and early indicator of infection. It reflects the body's immune response to a bacterial or viral invasion, and postoperative infections often present with leukocytosis, making it a key finding to monitor closely.
C. Pain rating of 4 on a scale of 0 to 10: Moderate pain is expected after surgery and does not, by itself, suggest infection. Postoperative pain should be assessed in context with other symptoms like redness, swelling, or drainage; pain alone, especially if stable, is not definitive for infection.
D. Increased urinary output: Increased urinary output is generally a positive sign of good kidney perfusion and hydration status. A decrease, not an increase, in urinary output would be more concerning postoperatively and could suggest complications, but not necessarily infection.
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