1. Which of the following scenarios would be considered an example of an unstable situation in nursing care? A. A patient with a history of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experiencing an acute exacerbation B. A patient recovering from a routine appendectomy without complications C. A patient admitted for elective knee replacement surgery D. A patient with controlled hypertension receiving routine medication administration Correct Answer: A. A patient with a history of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experiencing an acute exacerbation Rationale: An acute exacerbation of a chronic condition such as COPD can lead to unstable situations requiring immediate intervention and monitoring. 2. Fill in the blank: In caring for complex patients in unstable situations, it is crucial for nurses to have a strong understanding of ____________ principles to guide their practice. Correct Answer: bioethics Rationale: Bioethics principles help nurses navigate complex ethical dilemmas that may arise in caring for unstable patients.