A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and is approaching death. The client is short of breath and has noisy respirations from secretions in their airway. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Turn the client every 2 hours.
- B. Administer an anti-cholinergic medication.
- C. Hold oral care.
- D. Increase the room's temperature.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer an anti-cholinergic medication. This is because anti-cholinergic medications can help reduce secretions in the airway, thus improving the client's breathing and reducing the noisy respirations. Turning the client every 2 hours (choice A) may provide comfort but does not address the immediate issue of airway secretions. Holding oral care (choice C) is important for overall comfort but does not directly address the client's breathing difficulty. Increasing the room's temperature (choice D) is unlikely to improve the client's respiratory distress and may even make it worse.
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A nurse is assessing an older adult client's risk for falls. Which of the following assessments should the nurse use to identify the client's safety needs? (Select all that apply)
- A. Lacrimal apparatus
- B. Pupil clarity
- C. Appearance of bulbar conjunctivae
- D. Visual fields
- E. Visual acuity
Correct Answer: D,E
Rationale: The correct assessments for identifying an older adult client's safety needs are visual fields (D) and visual acuity (E). Visual fields evaluate peripheral vision, important for detecting obstacles and hazards. Impaired visual acuity can affect depth perception and balance, increasing fall risk. Lacrimal apparatus (A) assesses tear production, not directly related to fall risk. Pupil clarity (B) and appearance of bulbar conjunctivae (C) are more related to eye health but do not directly assess fall risk in older adults.
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who has a new prescription for wrist restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Pad the client's wrist before applying the restraints.
- B. Evaluate the client's circulation every 8 hr after application.
- C. Remove the restraints every 4 hr to evaluate the client's status.
- D. Secure the restraint ties to the bed's side rails.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pad the client's wrist before applying the restraints. This is important to prevent pressure injuries and ensure the client's comfort and safety. Padding helps distribute pressure and reduces the risk of skin breakdown. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. B is not recommended as it is essential to monitor circulation frequently, not just every 8 hours. C is incorrect because restraints should not be removed without a valid reason due to the risk of injury or harm to the client. D is also wrong as restraints should be secured to parts of the bed frame, not side rails, to prevent the client from using them to injure themselves or others.
A nurse is caring for 3 clients who have COPD. Select the 3 findings that require follow-up. Nurses' Notes: Temperature 100°F, oxygen saturation 88%, blood pressure 130/80 mmHg. Client admitted with a productive cough with thick yellow sputum. Breath sounds with crackles heard in the left upper lobe and decreased breath sounds at bases bilaterally. Heart rate 98 beats/min.
- A. Temperature 100°F
- B. Oxygen saturation 88%
- C. Blood pressure 130/80 mmHg
- D. Heart rate 98 beats/min
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: The correct answers are A, B, and D. A temperature of 100°F indicates possible infection or inflammation, warranting follow-up. An oxygen saturation of 88% is below the normal range, indicating hypoxemia. A heart rate of 98 beats/min is elevated, suggesting increased work of breathing or stress on the cardiovascular system. Choice C, blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg, falls within the normal range and does not require immediate follow-up. Choices E, F, and G are not relevant findings in this scenario.
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and is exhibiting signs of hemorrhagic shock. The nurse notifies the surgeon, who tells the nurse to continue to measure the client's vital signs every 15 min and to report back in 1 hr. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
- A. Document the provider's statement in the medical record.
- B. Consult the facility's risk manager.
- C. Complete an incident report.
- D. Notify the nursing manager.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should document the provider's statement in the medical record. This is important for legal and communication purposes. By documenting the surgeon's instructions, the nurse ensures that the care provided is well-documented and can be tracked for continuity of care. It also serves as evidence that the nurse followed the provider's orders appropriately.
Summary:
B: Consulting the facility's risk manager is not necessary at this point as the situation does not involve a risk management issue.
C: Completing an incident report is not warranted as there is no indication of an incident or error that has occurred.
D: Notifying the nursing manager is not the immediate action required in this situation. The nurse should prioritize following the provider's instructions and documenting the communication.
A nurse is caring for a client who has an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The provider briefly discusses treatment options and leaves the client's room. When the nurse asks if the client would like to discuss any concerns, the client declines. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
- A. I will return shortly after I document this in your record.
- B. Most men live a long time with prostate cancer.
- C. I am available to talk if you should change your mind.
- D. I will make a referral to a cancer support group for you.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I am available to talk if you should change your mind." This response shows the nurse's willingness to provide support and maintain an open line of communication without being intrusive. It respects the client's current decision while also conveying availability for future discussions, promoting trust and rapport.
A: Incorrect. This response prioritizes documentation over the client's emotional needs.
B: Incorrect. While well-intentioned, this statement may offer false reassurance and overlooks individual variability in prognosis.
D: Incorrect. Referring to a support group without the client's consent may not align with their current preferences.
E: Incorrect. Incomplete choice.
F: Incorrect. Incomplete choice.
G: Incorrect. Incomplete choice.