Nokea
A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and is approaching death. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of impending death?
- A. Hypertension.
- B. Tachycardia.
- C. Cold extremities.
- D. Diaphoresis.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cold extremities are a critical sign of impending death as they indicate decreased circulation, leading to poor perfusion to the extremities. This phenomenon occurs as the body redirects blood flow to vital organs, preparing for the end of life. Hypertension and tachycardia are less likely to be seen in the terminal phase and are usually associated with other conditions like shock or sepsis. Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, may occur in various situations but is not a specific indicator of impending death in this context.
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A nurse is caring for a client who is in Buck's traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Remove the weights
- B. Ensure the weights hang freely
- C. Increase the traction force
- D. Loosen the ropes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take when caring for a client in Buck's traction is to ensure the weights hang freely. This is essential to maintain proper alignment and ensure the effectiveness of Buck's traction. Removing the weights (Choice A) would be incorrect and could compromise the treatment. Increasing the traction force (Choice C) can lead to excessive pressure and potential harm to the client. Loosening the ropes (Choice D) would also be inappropriate as it can disrupt the traction's effectiveness and alignment.
A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has a chest tube connected to a closed drainage system. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
- A. Clamp the chest tube
- B. Maintain the drainage below the level of the chest
- C. Elevate the chest tube above chest level
- D. Avoid frequent dressing changes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with a chest tube connected to a closed drainage system is to maintain the drainage below the level of the chest. This position allows proper drainage of fluids and helps prevent complications such as backflow of blood or fluids into the chest cavity. Clamping the chest tube (Choice A) is incorrect as it can lead to a tension pneumothorax. Elevating the chest tube above chest level (Choice C) is also incorrect because it can impede proper drainage. Avoiding frequent dressing changes (Choice D) is important to prevent introducing infection, but it is not directly related to the position of the drainage system.
What is the most appropriate response when a client wants to discontinue dialysis?
- A. Ask the client why they want to discontinue.
- B. Instruct the client to focus on self-care.
- C. Offer to call the provider to cancel dialysis.
- D. Seek clarification and establish understanding.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a client expresses the desire to discontinue dialysis, the most appropriate response is to seek clarification and establish understanding. This approach allows the healthcare provider to comprehend the client's concerns, provide support, and engage in a collaborative decision-making process. Choice A, asking the client why they want to discontinue, can be perceived as confrontational and may not effectively address the underlying reasons. Instructing the client to focus on self-care (Choice B) may overlook the client's autonomy and decision-making capacity. Offering to call the provider to cancel dialysis (Choice C) does not actively involve the client in the decision-making process or address their concerns adequately.
What is a primary symptom of left-sided heart failure?
- A. Shortness of breath
- B. Edema
- C. Rapid heartbeat
- D. Confusion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Shortness of breath is a primary symptom of left-sided heart failure. In this condition, the heart's inability to pump effectively leads to fluid backing up into the lungs, causing difficulty breathing. Edema (swelling), rapid heartbeat, and confusion are more commonly associated with other conditions or right-sided heart failure. Edema is often seen in right-sided heart failure due to fluid accumulation in the body, rapid heartbeat can be a general sign of heart issues, and confusion is more related to decreased brain perfusion in severe heart failure cases.
How should a healthcare professional assess and manage a patient with delirium?
- A. Assess for confusion and reorient the patient
- B. Provide a quiet environment and administer sedatives
- C. Provide oxygen therapy and monitor vital signs
- D. Provide pain relief and monitor for signs of recovery
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct way to assess and manage a patient with delirium is by assessing for confusion and reorienting the patient. Delirium is characterized by acute confusion and disturbance in attention, so reorienting the patient to time, place, and person can help improve their awareness and cognition. Providing a quiet environment is important to reduce stimuli that can exacerbate delirium, but administering sedatives may worsen the condition. Oxygen therapy and monitoring vital signs are essential aspects of general patient care but are not specific to managing delirium. Providing pain relief is important for overall patient comfort but may not directly address the core issue of delirium.