Gerontology Nursing Questions And Answers PDF

Question 1 of 5

Which of the following aspects of gerontological nursing would be most likely classified under private law?

A. The regulation of who may call himself or herself a 'nurse' B. The contract between an older adult resident of a care facility and the owners of the facility C. The legal criteria for declaring an individual mentally incompetent D. The criminal consequences for instances of elder abuse

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because private law deals with relationships between individuals and organizations, such as the contract between an individual and the care facility.

Choices A, C, and D are not classified under private law.
Choice A pertains to professional regulation and is a matter of public law.
Choice C involves legal criteria and decision-making related to mental competence, falling under public law.
Choice D concerns criminal consequences, which are also part of public law.

Question 2 of 5

How does the doctrine of respondent superior affect nurses?

A. Liable for injury resulting from advice given to a member of a patient's family B. Responsible for double-checking the doses of medication ordered by a physician C. Responsible for the actions of the staff they supervise D. Obligated to obtain informed consent for any diagnostic procedure

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The doctrine of respondent superior holds that supervisors are accountable not only for their own actions but also for the actions of the staff they oversee. This means that nurses, as supervisors, are responsible for ensuring that the actions of their staff comply with established protocols and standards of care.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the principle of respondent superior. Nurses may have other responsibilities related to giving advice, medication administration, and obtaining consent, but the doctrine of respondent superior specifically pertains to the accountability of supervisors for the actions of their subordinates.

Question 3 of 5

An investigation into reports of substandard care on the subacute geriatric unit of a hospital has been undertaken. Which of the following events is representative of malpractice on the part of the nursing staff?

A. A client with a documented history of seizures was left with his bed raised and with bedrails not in place, resulting in a fall and head injury B. A client was sent for a colonoscopy, after which it was learned that the client had never given written consent for the procedure C. A client with a diagnosis of vascular dementia was found wandering in the hall outside the unit D. An immobile client was not turned over the course of a night shift and developed a pressure ulcer on her coccyx

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Answer A is correct as it includes all the components of malpractice: duty, negligence, and injury. The nursing staff failed in their duty by leaving a client with a documented history of seizures unattended with bedrails not in place, resulting in a fall and head injury. Answer B involves an issue related to consent, which is the responsibility of the physician, not the nursing staff. Answer C does not demonstrate negligence or harm caused by the nursing staff. Answer D also shows negligence by failing to turn an immobile client, leading to a pressure ulcer, but it lacks a direct connection to the duty of the nursing staff in preventing harm.

Question 4 of 5

When in doubt about using restraints on an agitated patient, it is prudent for nurses to:

A. Restrain the patient for their own safety B. Use minor restraints such as a bed side rail or a tray on a wheelchair C. Use alternatives such as a bed alarm with increased staff supervision D. Avoid using any device or procedure to limit liability

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use alternatives such as a bed alarm with increased staff supervision.' The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBR
A) established strict standards on restraint use in long-term care facilities. Restraints can be considered a form of false imprisonment and neglect, leading to potential litigation.
Therefore, it is advisable to avoid restraints whenever possible. A bed alarm coupled with enhanced staff supervision provides an effective and non-restrictive approach for managing an agitated patient.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because restraining the patient, using minor restraints, or avoiding all devices without providing an alternative can pose risks to patient safety, violate regulations, or increase liability concerns.

Question 5 of 5

An 81-year-old female client has presented to the emergency department accompanied by her daughter with whom she lives. The daughter states that her mother has experienced a recent series of falls, which have resulted in her facial and arm bruises. The client smells of urine and is noticeably emaciated, unkempt, and anxious while the daughter berates her during the nurse's assessment. What is the nurse's responsibility in this situation?

A. Determine the daughter's legal status with regard to her mother's financial affairs B. Report suspected elder abuse C. Establish whether the client has a durable power of attorney in place D. Obtain medical records regarding prior admissions for similar problems

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In cases of suspected elder abuse, the nurse is responsible for reporting his or her suspicions to the relevant authorities. In this scenario, the signs of elder abuse are evident, such as the client's bruises, unkempt appearance, and the daughter's behavior. Determining the daughter's legal status or the client's power of attorney are not immediate priorities when abuse is suspected. Obtaining medical records for prior admissions is also not the primary concern in this situation.

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ATI LPN

ATI LPN