A nurse responds to the room of a client who is recovering from a cardiac arrest where CPR was performed. The client's child is distraught and tells the nurse that their parent has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) prescription in their medical record. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Report the occurrence to the nursing supervisor,

Complete an incident report stating the facts of the situation.

Verify the DNR prescription is current in the medical record.

Request a meeting with the ethics committee.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Report the occurrence to the nursing supervisor:

While reporting the occurrence is important, verifying the DNR status takes precedence. The nurse needs to gather information and confirm whether the patient has a current DNR order before escalating the issue to a higher authority.

B. Complete an incident report stating the facts of the situation:

Completing an incident report is a part of the process, but it should not be the first action. The immediate concern is to determine if the patient has a valid DNR order. An incident report can be completed later to document the situation and any actions taken.

C. Verify the DNR prescription is current in the medical record.

Verifying the DNR (do-not-resuscitate) prescription is the first and most immediate action the nurse should take. It is crucial to confirm the current status of the DNR order to ensure that the healthcare team is following the patient's wishes. If the DNR is indeed valid and up-to-date, it means the resuscitation efforts, including CPR, were contrary to the patient's expressed wishes.

D. Request a meeting with the ethics committee:

Contacting the ethics committee may be necessary depending on the circumstances, but it is not the first step. Verifying the DNR status is an immediate action that can guide subsequent decisions. If there are ethical concerns or conflicts, involving the ethics committee can be considered after confirming the facts surrounding the DNR order.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Incentive spirometer:

An incentive spirometer is used to encourage deep breathing and prevent respiratory complications, but it is not specifically indicated for the management of sleep apnea.

B. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

The description of the client stopping breathing for 30-second intervals while sleeping at night is suggestive of sleep apnea. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is commonly used for the management of sleep apnea. It delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open, preventing pauses in breathing during sleep.

C. Yankauer suction equipment:

Yankauer suction equipment is used for oral suctioning and is not related to addressing the breathing pauses associated with sleep apnea.

D. Nebulizer:

A nebulizer is used to administer inhaled medications, typically for respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not the primary equipment for addressing the respiratory pauses seen in sleep apnea.

A. Fidelity B. Justice C. Autonomy D. Nonmaleficence

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Fidelity refers to the concept of keeping promises or commitments made to clients. In this scenario, the nurse is demonstrating fidelity by informing the client that they will return as soon as possible with pain medication, indicating a commitment to addressing the client's needs promptly.

B. Justice pertains to fairness and equitable distribution of resources. It is not demonstrated in this scenario where the nurse is making a commitment to address the client's pain.

C. Autonomy involves respecting the client's right to make their own decisions and choices about their care. The nurse, in this case, is not specifically addressing the client's autonomy but rather demonstrating fidelity by committing to providing pain medication.

D. Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm and ensuring the client's safety. While providing pain medication aligns with nonmaleficence by addressing the client's pain, the specific action of informing the client about the intent to return promptly falls more under the principle of fidelity.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a provider's office is collecting data from a client whose partner reports that the client stops breathing for 30-second intervals while sleeping at night. The nurse should recognize the client might need which of the following equipment for home use?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data from a client who is experiencing abdominal pain. The nurse states that they will return as soon as possible with pain medication. The nurse is demonstrating which of the following ethical principles?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer lisinopril 2.5 mg PO to an older adult client. Available is lisinopril 5 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

A charge nurse is reviewing ethical principles with a group of staff nurses. Which of the following statements by a staff nurse indicates an understanding of ethical principles?

A nurse is serving on a committee that is developing infectious disease protocols. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the protocol for clients who have Clostridium difficile?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and states that they wish to discontinue their enteral feedings. The nurse responds by saying "You have a right to refuse treatment." This response by the nurse demonstrates which of the following ethical principles?

A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which of the following tasks should the nurse perform first?

A nurse is preparing to administer methotrexate 7.5 mg subcutaneous for a client who has rheumatoid arthritis. Available is methotrexate 15 mg/0.4 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)