The VALUE mnemonic is a helpful strategy to enhance communication with family members of critically ill patients. Which of the following statements describes a VALUE strategy?
- A. View the family as guests on the unit.
- B. Acknowledge family emotions.
- C. Learn as much as you can about family structure and f unction.
- D. Use a trained interpreter if the family does not speak English.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acknowledge family emotions. This is a key component of the VALUE strategy as it emphasizes empathy and understanding towards the emotions that family members may be experiencing during a difficult time. By acknowledging their emotions, healthcare providers can build trust and establish a supportive relationship with the family.
Choice A is incorrect because the VALUE strategy focuses on treating family members as integral members of the care team, not just as guests. Choice C is incorrect as learning about family structure and function is important but not specifically part of the VALUE strategy. Choice D is incorrect as using a trained interpreter is important for effective communication but is not specific to the VALUE mnemonic.
You may also like to solve these questions
To maintain proper cuff pressure of an endotracheal tube (ET) when the patient is on mechanical ventilation, the nurse should:
- A. Inflate the cuff with a minimum of 10 mL of air.
- B. Inflate the cuff until the pilot balloon is firm on palpation.
- C. Inject air into the cuff until a manometer shows 15 mm Hg pressure.
- D. Inject air into the cuff until a slight leak is heard only at peak inflation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because inflating the cuff until a slight leak is heard only at peak inflation ensures it is adequately sealed but not overinflated, preventing complications like tracheal injury or pressure necrosis. Choice A lacks specificity and can lead to overinflation. Choice B may result in overinflation as the firmness of the balloon is subjective. Choice C relies on a specific pressure reading, which may vary based on factors like tube size and patient anatomy, potentially leading to under- or overinflation.
What risk is the rationale for the recommendation of endot racheal rather than nasotracheal intubation?
- A. Basilar skull fracture
- B. Cervical hyperextension
- C. Impaired ability to "mouth" words
- D. Sinusitis and infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Basilar skull fracture. Endotracheal intubation is recommended over nasotracheal intubation to avoid the risk of further damaging a basilar skull fracture. Nasotracheal intubation can potentially cause further injury due to the passage of the tube through the nasal cavity, which could exacerbate a basilar skull fracture.
Summary of other choices:
B: Cervical hyperextension - Not directly related to the choice between endotracheal and nasotracheal intubation.
C: Impaired ability to "mouth" words - Not a significant factor in determining the choice of intubation method.
D: Sinusitis and infection - While nasotracheal intubation can potentially lead to sinusitis and infection, the primary concern in this scenario is the risk of aggravating a basilar skull fracture.
Which assessment finding obtained by the nurse when caring for a patient with a right radial arterial line indicates a need for the nurse to take immediate action?
- A. The right hand is cooler than the left.
- B. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) is 77 mm Hg.
- C. The system is delivering 3 mL of flush solution per hour.
- D. The flush bag and tubing were last changed 3 days previously.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a cooler right hand may indicate compromised circulation, potentially due to arterial occlusion or clot formation. This could lead to inadequate perfusion and tissue damage. Immediate action is needed to assess and address the cause.
Choice B is incorrect because a MAP of 77 mm Hg is within the normal range for most patients and does not require immediate action.
Choice C is incorrect as delivering 3 mL of flush solution per hour is an appropriate rate and does not indicate a need for immediate action.
Choice D is incorrect as the flush bag and tubing being changed 3 days ago does not necessarily indicate an immediate issue with the arterial line function.
Which patient should the nurse notify the organ procureme nt organization (OPO) to evaluate for possible organ donation?
- A. A 36-year-old patient with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 with no activity on electroencephalogram
- B. A 68-year-old male admitted with unstable atrial fibrillation who has suffered a stroke
- C. A 40-year-old brain-injured female with a history of ovabairrbi.acnom c/taenstc er and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 7
- D. A 53-year-old diabetic male with a history of unstable angina status post resuscitation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient is a 36-year-old with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 and no activity on electroencephalogram, indicating severe brain injury and likely irreversible neurological damage. This patient meets the criteria for potential organ donation as they are neurologically devastated.
Choice B is incorrect because the patient's condition is related to stroke and atrial fibrillation, not severe brain injury that would make them a candidate for organ donation.
Choice C is incorrect because although the patient has a brain injury and a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, the history of a reversible cause (ovarian cancer metastasis) and a higher GCS score compared to choice A make this patient less suitable for organ donation evaluation.
Choice D is incorrect as the patient's diabetic and cardiovascular history does not suggest severe brain injury that would qualify for organ donation.
When caring for a patient with pulmonary hypertension, which parameter is most appropriate for the nurse to monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment?
- A. Central venous pressure (CVP)
- B. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
- C. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)
- D. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). PVR is the most appropriate parameter to monitor in a patient with pulmonary hypertension as it directly reflects the resistance in the pulmonary circulation. A decrease in PVR indicates a reduction in the constriction of blood vessels in the lungs, suggesting improvement in pulmonary hypertension. Monitoring CVP (A) is more relevant in assessing fluid status, SVR (B) is more indicative of systemic vascular tone, and PAWP (D) is useful in assessing left-sided heart function, but they are not as specific to evaluating the effectiveness of treatment for pulmonary hypertension.