A critically ill patient who is intubated and agitated is restrained with soft wrist restraints. Based on research findings, what is the best nursing action?
- A. Maintain the restraints to protect patient safety.
- B. Remove the restraints periodically to check skin integrity.
- C. Remove the restraints periodically for range of motion.
- D. Assess and intervene for causes of agitation. Answer Key
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assess and intervene for causes of agitation. In a critically ill patient, agitation while intubated could indicate underlying issues like pain, delirium, or inadequate sedation. By assessing and addressing the root cause of agitation, the nurse can improve patient comfort and prevent potential harm from restraints. Removing restraints periodically for skin integrity (B) and range of motion (C) is important but should not be the primary focus when agitation is present. Maintaining restraints (A) without addressing the agitation could lead to increased distress and potential complications.
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The client has been in the CCU for several weeks and has been very unstable. One family member stays at the bedside constantly and even naps in a bedside chair. The nurse understands that the family member is exhibiting which family member response to critical illness?
- A. Exhibiting extreme distrust of the health care team
- B. Seeking evidence for future legal or punitive action
- C. Trying to maintain a level of control over the situation
- D. Experiencing extreme fatigue from constant stress
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Trying to maintain a level of control over the situation. The family member staying at the bedside constantly and even napping there is likely trying to cope with the stressful situation by maintaining a sense of control and connection to the patient. This behavior can be a way for the family member to feel more involved and helpful during a time of uncertainty and powerlessness. Choices A and B involve negative assumptions about the family member's intentions without evidence. Choice D may be a result of the family member's actions but does not address the underlying motivation for their behavior.
During the primary survey of a patient with severe leg trauma, the nurse observes that the patient’s left pedal pulse is absent and the leg is swollen. Which action will the nurse take next?
- A. Send blood to the lab for a complete blood count.
- B. Assess further for a cause of the decreased circulation.
- C. Finish the airway, breathing, circulation, and disability survey.
- D. Start normal saline fluid infusion with a large-bore IV line.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess further for a cause of the decreased circulation. The nurse should prioritize assessing the cause of the absent left pedal pulse and leg swelling to address the severe leg trauma effectively. This step involves identifying potential vascular compromise or compartment syndrome, which are critical conditions requiring immediate intervention. Sending blood for a complete blood count (A) is not the priority in this situation. Finishing the primary survey (C) may delay addressing the circulation issue. Starting normal saline infusion (D) without addressing the circulation problem first could potentially worsen the condition. Therefore, assessing further for the cause of decreased circulation is the most appropriate next step to ensure timely and appropriate management of the patient's condition.
The nurse is assessing a client and identifies a bruit over the thyroid. This finding is consistent with which interpretation?
- A. Hypothyroidism.
- B. Thyroid cyst.
- C. Thyroid cancer.
- D. Hyperthyroidism.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The presence of a bruit over the thyroid indicates increased blood flow, characteristic of hyperthyroidism. This excess blood flow is due to the hypermetabolic state in hyperthyroidism, leading to turbulent blood flow and the audible bruit. A bruit is not typically associated with hypothyroidism, thyroid cysts, or thyroid cancer, as these conditions do not cause increased blood flow. Therefore, the correct interpretation is hyperthyroidism.
The central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) is decreasing in a patient who has severe pancreatitis. To determine the possible cause of the decreased ScvO2, the nurse assesses the patient’s:
- A. Lipase.
- B. Temperature.
- C. Urinary output.
- D. Body mass index.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Temperature. Decreased ScvO2 in severe pancreatitis can be due to systemic inflammatory response leading to increased metabolic demand and decreased tissue oxygen delivery. Monitoring temperature helps assess for presence of infection or sepsis, which can further decrease tissue oxygenation. Lipase (A) is specific for pancreatitis diagnosis, not directly related to ScvO2. Urinary output (C) is important for assessing renal function, not directly related to ScvO2. Body mass index (D) does not provide information on tissue oxygenation status in this context.
Which nursing intervention would need to be corrected on a care plan for a patient in order to be consistent with the principles of effective end-of-life ca re?
- A. Control of distressing symptoms such as dyspnea, naus ea, and pain through use of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions
- B. Limitation of visitation to reduce the emotional distresasb ierbx.cpoemr/iteesnt ced by family members
- C. Patient and family education on anticipated patient res ponses to withdrawal of therapy
- D. Provision of spiritual care resources as desired by the p atient and family
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
1. Limiting visitation to reduce emotional distress contradicts the principles of effective end-of-life care, which emphasize holistic support for the patient and family.
2. Effective end-of-life care encourages open communication and emotional support from loved ones.
3. Limiting visitation may hinder emotional closure and support for both the patient and family.
4. Options A, C, and D align with effective end-of-life care by focusing on symptom management, education, and spiritual support for the patient and family.