So very mad!!!

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Nov 25, 2009

I also thought a DNR can be verbally reversed. That's why I chose that answer.....the others didn't make sense to me and I can honestly say that if this were to happen in real life...I would help the pt.
The religion question....by reminding them that most religions excuse fasting for illness, you'll find out by their answer if their religion does or if they wish to go against their religion. I understand your point though.

Ok so now I am just reading the replies, so the answer to the first one is to check if she really is a DNR but the only facts are she is having difficulty breathing?? What the heck happened to ABC's I would be ****** to. Patient is having trouble breathing and is asking for help and the nurse is supposed to be like, Ummmmm be right back! Okie Dokie.

IlovenursingRN · Nov 25, 2009

Always help the patient first whether or not there is a DNR. DNR does not equal "let them die". If they are in the dying process and you can make them more comfortable with oxygen then that's what you do. They may be a DNR or they may have a living will that so no artificial means of respiration but oxygen is a comfort measure.

As for the jewish patient you honor his wishes, then call the doctor to notify him/her for further orders.

morte, LPN, LVN · Nov 25, 2009

taping the ring isnt so much to prevent stealing as it is to prevent it from falling off.....think of someone who has lost a lot of weight....

Nursingmom25, ADN, RN · Nov 25, 2009

My book doesn't give an explanation but my prof. says it's so the ring doesn't get stolen.

I just had a test on the yesterday...

Tape the ring and DOCUMENT IT! :)

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Nov 25, 2009

According to my book, most religions excuse the ill, pregnant, or nursing mothers from fasting. And yes, I do know you can't force someone to eat but you can at least offer that option. It's possible that even though the person is a part of that religion, doesn't know they offer excuses.

The way we were taught in school is the patient who is saying they won't do something because it is against their beliefs will know more about their beliefs and what is ok with them then the nurse so our job is to just respect that and not push the issue. If the patient is saying things like I don't "think" that is allowed in my religion then we can offer to call in their rabbi for instance in the care of a Jewish patient to clarify what is allowed and not allowed.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Nov 25, 2009

I, too was hung up on cultural sensitivity questions. Here's one that I have used as a template to answer all of my future cultural questions:
1. An Arabic woman has returned to her room after having had a breast tumor biopsy, and she is waiting for her husband. The nurse has client teaching to perform regarding post-op care. Understanding that in Arabic culture, it is appropriate for the husband to be present during such information exchanges, the nurse will:
A. Perform client teaching.
B. Ask the client if she wishes to wait for her husband.
C. Wait for her husband to be present to begin client teaching.
D. Give the client pillow therapy. (Had to throw one ridiculous one in)
I chose B.... EEEEEEEHHH! Wrong answer. Correct answer: C!
I specifically asked the instructor if we were to adhere to the client's cultural practices even if they seem derogatory or sometimes even potentially harmful to us. Her answer, straightforwardly: Yes!
Now, keep in mind, this is N-Clex world, where everything is perfect and nothing is to be assumed. But now I know just how important that cultural awareness is when it comes to getting the correct answer on these type of questions. Just remember, unless it's illegal, adhere to the cultural practice in N-Clex world.
Also, remember fundamentals students. You are learning another way of thinking, and I found that one of the things I'm used to by now (I graduate in May) is screwing up, and not believing I screwed up. As in, I believe the teachers are false sometimes. Just remember they are trying to get you able to bass your boards, and it's supposed to be challenging and difficult. You're being prepared for a challenging and difficult profession!
Hang in there, the light at the end of the tunnel eventually gets brighter and brighter.

I would have chose C as well because of the bolded part. Although I don't see the harm in B I would assume they added that bolded part for a reason and stuck to that.

missy--kay · Nov 25, 2009

Hang in there, CrunchyMama!! I'm almost done with 3rd semester (out of 4) and this will not be the last test you disagree with... we've had our fair share within the last 18 months! At least you did well on your previous 3 to save your grade. Keep your eye on the prize!!!

morte, LPN, LVN · Nov 25, 2009

I would have chose C as well because of the bolded part. Although I don't see the harm in B I would assume they added that bolded part for a reason and stuck to that.

i wonder why c instead of b.....appropriate does not = expected nor mandatory.....

burberrylover · Nov 25, 2009

2. an ill jewish pt. is fasting during (insert jewish fasting holiday). what should you do?

a. remind the pt. that some religions excuse ill pts. from fasting

i put this answer because this is what it says in our book. but apprently it's respect the clients wishes. but shouldn't you try to inform them that some religions excuse those that are ill? if they still want to fast, then you should respect their wishes.

b. respect clients wishes

c. call dr.

d. provide comfort measures

that may be so, but how do you know that this is true of their specific religion?

judaism is a very sensible religion. children, pregnant women and the infirm are exempt from fasting.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Nov 25, 2009

i wonder why c instead of b.....appropriate does not = expected nor mandatory.....

Because that is just how I read the questions. In some cultures when they say it is appropriate for so and so to be there it's a polite way of saying this is how it needs to be. Anyway, that is how I read it.

rotteluvr31, ADN, RN · Nov 25, 2009

2. an ill jewish pt. is fasting during (insert jewish fasting holiday). what should you do?
a. remind the pt. that some religions excuse ill pts. from fasting
i put this answer because this is what it says in our book. but apprently it's respect the clients wishes. but shouldn't you try to inform them that some religions excuse those that are ill? if they still want to fast, then you should respect their wishes.
b. respect clients wishes
c. call dr.
d. provide comfort measures
that may be so, but how do you know that this is true of their specific religion?

prioritize the answers - first you can respect their wishes, and then you can have further discussion with them about change in practice due to illness. but substitute jehovahs witness that needs blood vs jewish pt. fasting. first you would respect their wishes not to receive blood products, and then you can have a conversation about options.

Mell Bell · Nov 25, 2009

Was it ever confirmed by the OP what the correct answers were according to the professor? I know she put B for #1, and I just don't see how that could be wrong. Thanks!