Contemporary Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because large doses of calcium causing cerebral plaques to form can potentially mask the atrophy of the brain, which is a common indicator of dementia on imaging studies. This interference could delay the detection of dementia. Choice B is incorrect because excess folic acid would not mask a vitamin B deficiency that could lead to dementia. Choice C is incorrect as hypnotherapy focusing on current thoughts would not necessarily eliminate clues to past cognitive decline. Choice D is incorrect because there is no evidence that the electrical current from magnetic fields interferes with normal brain waves in a way that would cause confusion and inability to concentrate.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mishel's uncertainty of illness. This theory focuses on how individuals cope with uncertainty related to illness or health events. In this scenario, the mother is facing unexpected news about her baby's condition, causing her to withdraw as a coping mechanism due to the uncertainty she is experiencing. By utilizing Mishel's theory, nurses can provide support and guidance to help the mother navigate her feelings of uncertainty and develop coping strategies. Choice B (Orem's self-care deficit model) is not the best fit as it primarily focuses on the individual's ability to perform self-care activities, which may not directly address the mother's emotional response to uncertainty. Choice C (Nightingale's canons of nursing) is more focused on the environmental factors impacting health and may not address the mother's coping needs. Choice D (Levine's conservation model) emphasizes maintaining stability and balance in the body systems, which may not directly address the mother's emotional needs in coping with uncertainty.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: critical pathway. Critical pathways are structured, multidisciplinary care plans that detail essential steps in the care of patients with specific conditions, such as heart failure. They standardize treatment by outlining the sequence and timing of interventions, tests, and medications, helping to improve efficiency and quality of care. Critical pathways guide daily care by providing a roadmap for healthcare providers to follow, ensuring that patients receive appropriate and timely interventions. Explanation of other choices: A: Benchmark - Benchmarks are standards or reference points used for comparison, not a structured care plan like a critical pathway. C: Algorithm - Algorithms are step-by-step procedures for solving problems, not necessarily a comprehensive care plan like a critical pathway. D: Case management - Case management involves coordinating care and services for individual patients, not a standardized care plan for a specific disease like a critical pathway.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: nurse anesthetist. Nurse anesthetists require a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing as a prerequisite for their advanced practice role. They then need to complete a master's or doctoral program in nurse anesthesia. This advanced education and training enable nurse anesthetists to provide anesthesia care in various healthcare settings. Incorrect answers: A: Speech therapists require a master's degree in speech-language pathology. B: Occupational therapists require a master's degree in occupational therapy. C: Nurse-midwives require a master's degree in nurse-midwifery or a related field. In summary, the minimum education requirement of a baccalaureate degree aligns with the role of a nurse anesthetist, making choice D the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: durable power of attorney. This legal document grants authority to another person, known as the healthcare proxy or agent, to make medical decisions on behalf of the client when they are unable to do so themselves. This is essential for ensuring that the client's wishes are respected and that appropriate medical care is provided. A: A living will is a document that outlines a person's preferences for medical treatment in case they become incapacitated, but it does not appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf. C: Informed consent is the process of ensuring that a patient understands the risks and benefits of a medical treatment before giving consent, but it does not authorize someone to make decisions on their behalf. D: Immunity refers to protection from legal liability and is not relevant to authorizing someone to make medical decisions for a client.