A nurse in a burn unit observes that a patient is tensed up and frowning but silent. The nurse asks the patient, Can you tell me what you are thinking now? The patient responds, I cant take this pain any more! I feel like Im about to die. What would be the best response for the nurse to give to the patient, considering that the patient is already receiving the maximum amount pain medication that is safe?
- A. Try to get rid of those negative thoughtsthey only make it worse.
- B. Try thinking instead, This pain will go away; I can overcome it.
- C. Your pain medication is already at the highest possible dose.
- D. Would you like me to raise the head of your bed?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C: Your pain medication is already at the highest possible dose. This response acknowledges the patient's pain and reassures them that they are already receiving the maximum safe amount of pain medication. By stating this, the nurse is validating the patient's experience and showing empathy. It is important for the nurse to communicate clearly about the medication to manage the patient's expectations.
Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's pain and can come across as insensitive. Choice B may be well-intentioned but does not address the immediate concern of the patient's pain. Choice D is irrelevant to the patient's statement about pain and does not offer any immediate support or reassurance regarding the pain management.
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The nurse educator is evaluating the care that a new registered nurse (RN) provides to a patient receiving mechanical ventilation. Which action by the new RN indicates the need for more education?
- A. The RN increases the FIO2 to 100% before suctioning.
- B. The RN secures a bite block in place using adhesive tape.
- C. The RN asks for assistance to reposition the endotracheal tube.
- D. The RN positions the patient with the head of the bed at 10 degrees.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because positioning the patient with the head of the bed at 10 degrees is incorrect for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation. The optimal position for such patients is to elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees to prevent aspiration and improve oxygenation. Option A is incorrect as increasing FIO2 before suctioning is appropriate to ensure adequate oxygenation. Option B is incorrect as securing a bite block in place using adhesive tape is a standard practice to prevent the patient from biting on the endotracheal tube. Option C is incorrect as asking for assistance to reposition the endotracheal tube shows the RN is aware of the importance of proper placement to ensure effective ventilation.
During a client assessment, the client says, 'I can't walk very well.' Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Predict the likelihood of the outcome.
- B. Consider alternatives.
- C. Choose the most successful approach.
- D. Identify the problem.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Identify the problem. This is the first action the nurse should take in the nursing process as it helps in understanding the client's issue. By identifying the problem, the nurse can gather more information through further assessment to determine the underlying cause of the client's difficulty in walking. This step is crucial for developing an effective care plan and interventions.
A: Predict the likelihood of the outcome - This choice is not appropriate as predicting the outcome should come after identifying the problem and implementing interventions.
B: Consider alternatives - While considering alternatives is important in the decision-making process, it is not the immediate action needed in this scenario.
C: Choose the most successful approach - This choice is premature as the nurse needs to first identify the problem before determining the most successful approach.
A patient who is unconscious after a fall from a ladder is transported to the emergency department by emergency medical personnel. During the primary survey of the patient, the nurse should:
- A. Obtain a complete set of vital signs.
- B. Obtain a Glasgow Coma Scale score.
- C. Ask about chronic medical conditions.
- D. Attach a cardiac electrocardiogram monitor.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Obtain a Glasgow Coma Scale score. During the primary survey, assessing the patient's level of consciousness is crucial as it helps determine the severity of the injury and guides further management. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a standardized tool used to assess the level of consciousness based on eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. It provides valuable information about the patient's neurological status.
A: Obtaining a complete set of vital signs is important but assessing the level of consciousness takes priority in this scenario.
C: Asking about chronic medical conditions is important but not as critical as assessing the patient's level of consciousness during the primary survey.
D: Attaching a cardiac electrocardiogram monitor is not necessary during the primary survey unless there are specific indications of cardiac issues, which are not evident in this case.
In summary, obtaining a Glasgow Coma Scale score is essential for assessing the patient's level of consciousness and determining the severity of the injury during the primary survey.
What nonpharmacological approaches to pain and/or anxie ty may best meet the needs of critically ill patients? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Anaerobic exercise
- B. Art therapy
- C. Guided imagery
- D. Music therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Art therapy. Art therapy can help critically ill patients express emotions, reduce anxiety, and cope with pain in a nonverbal way. It provides a creative outlet for self-expression and can improve overall well-being. Anaerobic exercise (A) may not be suitable for critically ill patients due to physical limitations. Guided imagery (C) may not be effective for all patients and requires a certain level of cognitive ability. Music therapy (D) can be beneficial, but art therapy is specifically known for its effectiveness in addressing emotional and psychological needs in critically ill patients.
A critical care unit has decided to implement several measures designed to improve intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to an expected improvement in patient outcomes, what is the most important effect that should resultf rom these measures?
- A. Identification of incompetent practitioners
- B. Improvement in manners on the unit
- C. Increased staff retention
- D. Less discussion in front of patients and families
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale:
- Improved collaboration enhances job satisfaction and reduces burnout, leading to increased staff retention.
- Higher staff retention promotes continuity of care, improves team dynamics, and enhances patient outcomes.
Summary:
- A: Not directly related to collaboration, more about performance evaluation.
- B: Manners may improve, but not the most important effect of collaboration.
- D: Collaboration involves open communication, so less discussion in front of patients is not a positive outcome.