Nokea
A client with end-stage pulmonary disease requests 'no heroic measures' if she stops breathing. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Document the client's request in the medical record.
- B. Ask the client to discuss a DNR order with her healthcare provider.
- C. Consult the ethics committee for guidance.
- D. Discharge the client with no further discussion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct next step for the nurse is to ask the client to discuss a 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) order with her healthcare provider. While the client's wishes should be respected, it is essential to ensure proper documentation and legal protection by involving the healthcare provider in this decision-making process. Documenting the request in the medical record (Choice A) is important but should follow the discussion with the healthcare provider. Consulting the ethics committee (Choice C) may not be necessary at this stage and could delay the necessary actions. Discharging the client (Choice D) without further discussion is not appropriate and disregards the importance of addressing the client's wishes in a respectful and professional manner.
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After a lumbar puncture, a client reports a severe headache. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Administer a dose of acetaminophen.
- B. Elevate the head of the bed.
- C. Encourage the client to rest in a dark room.
- D. Administer caffeine to relieve the headache.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After a lumbar puncture, a severe headache is often caused by cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Elevating the head of the bed or having the client lie flat can reduce cerebrospinal fluid pressure and alleviate the headache. These positions help prevent further fluid loss and relieve discomfort. While acetaminophen or caffeine may help in relieving the headache, changing the client's position is the priority to address the underlying cause. Resting in a dark room may be beneficial for headache relief but is not the priority intervention compared to adjusting the position to manage cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports a weak pulse of 44 beats per minute in a client. What action should the charge nurse implement?
- A. Have the UAP recheck the pulse and report back.
- B. Have a licensed practical nurse (LPN) assess the client for apical-radial pulse deficit.
- C. Call the healthcare provider for further instructions.
- D. Immediately call the healthcare provider and prepare for transfer to critical care.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action is to have a licensed practical nurse (LPN) assess the client for an apical-radial pulse deficit. This assessment can provide further information about the client's cardiovascular status and help determine if further intervention is necessary. Having the UAP recheck the pulse may delay appropriate assessment and intervention. Calling the healthcare provider for further instructions may not be necessary at this point unless the LPN assessment indicates a need for it. Immediately transferring the client to critical care without further assessment is not warranted based solely on the initial report of a weak pulse.
A nurse is performing CPR on an adult who went into cardiopulmonary arrest. Another nurse enters the room in response to the call. After checking the client's pulse and respirations, what should be the function of the second nurse?
- A. Relieve the nurse performing CPR
- B. Go get the code cart
- C. Participate with the compressions or breathing
- D. Validate the client's advanced directive
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The second nurse should assist with compressions or breathing to ensure the patient receives adequate care during CPR. This immediate intervention is crucial in maintaining blood circulation and oxygenation to vital organs. Choice A is incorrect because simply relieving the nurse performing CPR may lead to a delay in essential life-saving measures. Choice B is incorrect as the primary focus should be on providing direct assistance rather than fetching equipment. Choice D is incorrect as validating the client's advanced directive is not the priority in this emergency situation.
A client presents with three positive responses to the CAGE questionnaire. What interpretation should the nurse provide?
- A. CAGE is a tool for general substance abuse screening.
- B. Two positive responses suggest alcohol dependence.
- C. One positive response does not indicate alcohol addiction.
- D. All four responses must be positive to suggest alcohol dependence.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Two positive responses on the CAGE questionnaire strongly suggest alcohol dependence. Choice A is incorrect as the CAGE questionnaire specifically targets alcohol abuse. Choice C is incorrect because one positive response is not enough to indicate alcohol addiction. Choice D is incorrect because alcohol dependence can be suggested with two positive responses, not all four.
An older client with chronic emphysema is admitted to the emergency room with acute weakness, palpitations, and vomiting. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain during the initial interview?
- A. Recent compliance with prescribed medications.
- B. Sleep patterns during the previous few weeks.
- C. History of smoking over the past 6 months.
- D. Activity level prior to the onset of symptoms.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. In this scenario, the most critical information for the nurse to obtain during the initial interview is the recent compliance with prescribed medications. This is crucial to understand the client's baseline condition and management of chronic emphysema. Monitoring medication adherence can provide insights into potential exacerbating factors that may have led to the current acute symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are not as crucial in this situation. Sleep patterns, smoking history, and activity levels are important aspects of the client's overall health but do not take precedence over medication compliance when addressing acute symptoms in a client with chronic emphysema.