If a patient asks the nurse for her opinion about a particular physician and the nurse replies that the physician is incompetent, the nurse could be held liable for:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, if the nurse makes a false verbal statement about the physician being incompetent, it is considered slander. Slander is the act of making defamatory spoken statements or gestures. Libel, on the other hand, refers to defamatory statements that are written or published. Assault involves the threat of physical harm, and respondent superior is a legal doctrine holding an employer responsible for the actions of an employee in the course of employment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Administering a drug to a patient with a known allergy, leading to severe harm such as an allergic reaction causing cerebral damage due to anoxia, constitutes nursing malpractice. In this scenario, the nurse failed to adhere to the standard of care by administering a medication that the patient was allergic to, resulting in serious harm, which is a clear example of malpractice in nursing.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When assessing postoperative pain in an Asian patient, cultural considerations must be taken into account, as many Asian cultures emphasize stoicism and may avoid overt expressions of pain. The correct answer, **C (Immobility, diaphoresis, and avoidance of deep breathing or coughing)**, aligns with common cultural pain responses observed in Asian populations. These patients often exhibit nonverbal cues such as guarding the affected area, limited movement, and physiological signs like sweating (diaphoresis) due to discomfort. They may also avoid deep breathing or coughing to minimize pain, which can lead to complications like atelectasis but reflects their tendency to endure discomfort quietly rather than verbalize it. **Why the other options are incorrect:** **A: Decreased blood pressure and heart rate and shallow respirations** – This is incorrect because postoperative pain typically triggers a sympathetic nervous system response, leading to *increased* blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate due to stress and discomfort. Shallow respirations alone may occur due to pain, but decreased blood pressure and heart rate are more indicative of shock or sedation rather than pain. **B: Quiet crying** – While some patients may cry quietly in response to pain, this is less culturally typical for many Asian patients, who often prioritize emotional restraint. Overt displays of distress, such as crying, are less common in cultures that value composure, making this option less likely. **D: Changing position every 2 hours** – This is an expected postoperative nursing intervention to prevent complications like pressure ulcers, not a sign of pain. Pain would more likely cause patients to remain still to avoid exacerbating discomfort rather than moving frequently. The rationale emphasizes that pain assessment in diverse populations requires an understanding of cultural norms. Asian patients may underreport pain due to cultural values, making nonverbal and physiological cues (such as immobility, diaphoresis, and guarded breathing) more reliable indicators than verbal expressions or atypical vital sign changes. Recognizing these subtle signs ensures appropriate pain management and prevents complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A positive guaiac test is used to detect the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the stool, suggesting bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. It is a rapid screening test that can provide immediate information to the healthcare provider about possible gastrointestinal bleeding in patients presenting with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct sequence for assessing the abdomen is auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Auscultation allows the healthcare provider to listen for bowel sounds, followed by percussion to assess for areas of tenderness or abnormal distention, and finally palpation to feel for masses or organ enlargement. This sequence ensures a systematic and thorough assessment of the abdomen.