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A critically ill patient is not expected to survive this admission. The family asks the nurse how the patient is doing. When answering this question, what should the nurse include?
- A. Emphasize that the patient is young and strong and may still survive.
- B. Refer the family to the physician for all details and answers.
- C. Give specific information such as descending trends in parameters.
- D. Ask if the family has determined which funeral home will be called.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because providing specific information such as descending trends in parameters helps the family understand the patient's condition objectively. This allows them to prepare emotionally and make informed decisions. Option A is incorrect because false hope should not be given. Option B is not the best approach as the nurse should still provide some information to the family. Option D is inappropriate and insensitive as it focuses on funeral arrangements rather than addressing the family's concerns about the patient's condition.
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The nurse educator is evaluating the performance of a new registered nurse (RN) who is providing care to a patient who is receiving mechanical ventilation with 15 cm H2O of peak end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Which action indicates that the new RN is safe?
- A. The RN plans to suction the patient every 1 to 2 hours.
- B. The RN uses a closed-suction technique to suction the patient.
- C. The RN tapes the connection between the ventilator tubing and the ET.
- D. The RN changes the ventilator circuit tubing routinely every 48 hours.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The RN uses a closed-suction technique to suction the patient. This is the safe action because closed-suction technique minimizes the risk of ventilator-associated infections by maintaining a closed system during suctioning, reducing the exposure to pathogens. Closed-suction systems also help maintain lung compliance and oxygenation levels during the suctioning process.
Rationale: Option A is incorrect because suctioning every 1 to 2 hours may be too frequent and can lead to hypoxia and mucosal damage. Option C is incorrect as taping the connection between the ventilator tubing and ET can interfere with the proper functioning of the ventilator and increase the risk of disconnection. Option D is incorrect because changing ventilator circuit tubing routinely every 48 hours is not evidence-based practice and can increase the risk of contamination and unnecessary costs.
A new nurse has recently joined the ICU from a different hospital, which had a much stricter policy regarding visiting hours. She expresses concern about the impact of open visiting hours on patient well-being. Which of the following would be the best explanation for the purpose of open visiting hours? Select all that apply.
- A. To better provide rest and quiet
- B. To strengthen the relationship between the family and health care provider
- C. To control the number of visitors for a patient
- D. To provide an undisturbed environment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To strengthen the relationship between the family and health care provider.
Rationale:
1. Open visiting hours encourage family involvement in care, fostering a partnership between healthcare providers and families.
2. Family support can positively impact patient outcomes and satisfaction.
3. It allows families to be updated on the patient's condition and involved in decision-making.
4. Strengthening the relationship can lead to better communication and trust between all parties.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Open visiting hours may disrupt rest and quiet, but the primary purpose is not to provide rest.
C: Open visiting hours do not aim to control the number of visitors but rather encourage family involvement.
D: While open visiting hours may not provide an entirely undisturbed environment, the focus is on improving family-provider relationships.
Which nursing interventions would best support the family of a critically ill patient?
- A. Encouraging family members to stay all night in case t he patient needs them.
- B. Giving a condition update each morning and whenever changes occur.
- C. Limiting visitation from children into the critical care u nit.
- D. Providing beverages and snacks in the waiting room.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because giving regular condition updates promotes transparency and communication, reducing anxiety for the family. This intervention helps them stay informed and involved in the patient's care. Choice A may lead to caregiver fatigue and is not sustainable. Choice C limits family support and may increase stress. Choice D focuses on comfort but does not address the family's need for information.
The nurse is caring for a critically ill trauma patient who is expected to be hospitalized for an extended period of time. Which of the following nursing interventions would improve the patient’s well-being and reduce anxiety the most?
- A. Arrange for the patient’s dog to be brought into the unit (per protocol).
- B. Contact the pet therapy department to bring a therapy d og in to visit.
- C. Secure the harpist to come and play soothing music fora bairnb. choomu/tre set very afternoon.
- D. Wheel the patient out near the unit aquarium to observ e the tropical fish.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because pet therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve well-being in hospitalized patients. Interacting with therapy dogs can provide comfort, companionship, and a distraction from the hospital environment. Bringing in a therapy dog can help the trauma patient feel more relaxed and supported during their extended hospital stay.
Choice A may be comforting but does not address the therapeutic benefits of pet therapy. Choice C may provide soothing music, but pet therapy has been specifically proven to reduce anxiety in patients. Choice D, observing fish in an aquarium, may be calming but does not involve the interactive benefits of pet therapy.
What is a strategy for preventing thromboembolism in pat ients at risk who cannot take anticoagulants?
- A. Administration of two aspirin tablets every 4 hours.
- B. Infusion of thrombolytics.
- C. Insertion of a vena cava filter.
- D. Subcutaneous heparin administration every 12 hours.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Insertion of a vena cava filter. This is a strategy for preventing thromboembolism in patients at risk who cannot take anticoagulants. The vena cava filter prevents blood clots from traveling to the lungs by trapping them in the inferior vena cava. It is a mechanical device that does not interfere with the body's clotting process.
Explanation of why other choices are incorrect:
A: Administration of two aspirin tablets every 4 hours is not an effective strategy for preventing thromboembolism in high-risk patients. Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent and may not be sufficient for preventing blood clots in these patients.
B: Infusion of thrombolytics is used for breaking down blood clots that have already formed, not for prevention. It is not a suitable option for preventing thromboembolism in at-risk patients.
D: Subcutaneous heparin administration every 12