A patient asks, “What advantage does a durable power of attorney for health care have over a living will?” The nurse should reply, A durable power of attorney for health care:
- A. Gives your agent authority to make decisions during any illness if you are incapacitated.
- B. Can be given only to a relative, usually the next of kin, who has your best interests at heart.
- C. Can be used only if you have a terminal illness and become incapacitated.
- D. Cannot be implemented until 30 days after the documents are signed.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Gives your agent authority to make decisions during any illness if you are incapacitated.
Rationale:
1. A durable power of attorney for health care allows you to appoint a trusted individual (agent) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
2. This authority is not limited to a specific type of illness or condition, ensuring your agent can make decisions for any illness that renders you incapacitated.
3. This flexibility ensures that your wishes are carried out regardless of the circumstances.
Summary of Other Choices:
B: Incorrect - A durable power of attorney can be given to any trusted individual, not just a relative.
C: Incorrect - A durable power of attorney can be used in any situation where you are unable to make decisions, not just in terminal illness.
D: Incorrect - A durable power of attorney can be implemented immediately upon signing, providing timely decision-making support.
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About an hour after the patient has ECT, he complains of having a headache. The nurse should:
- A. Notify the physician stat.
- B. Administer an as needed (prn) dose of acetaminophen.
- C. Take the patient through a progressive relaxation sequence.
- D. Advise going to activities to expend energy and relieve tension.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer an as needed (prn) dose of acetaminophen. After ECT, it is common for patients to experience headaches as a side effect. Administering acetaminophen will help alleviate the headache and provide relief for the patient. It is important to address the patient's discomfort promptly and effectively.
Choice A is incorrect because headaches after ECT are a common side effect and do not typically require immediate physician notification. Choice C is incorrect as progressive relaxation may not address the immediate headache symptoms. Choice D is also incorrect as physical activities may exacerbate the headache rather than provide relief. Administering acetaminophen is the most appropriate and efficient intervention in this situation.
A 70-year-old male has the nursing diagnosis of situational low self-esteem related to forced retirement. Using Maslow’s hierarchy, the nurse is confident the patient is meeting self-worth outcomes when the patient:
- A. Moves to a secure apartment building
- B. Exercises regularly with friends at the gym
- C. Attends his grandchildren’s school functions
- D. Volunteers at the local homeless shelter weekly
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because volunteering at the local homeless shelter fulfills the self-actualization need in Maslow's hierarchy. By helping others and contributing to the community, the patient gains a sense of purpose and fulfillment, boosting self-esteem.
A: Moving to a secure apartment building addresses safety needs, not self-esteem.
B: Exercising with friends promotes social belonging but does not directly address self-esteem.
C: Attending grandchildren's functions fosters social connections, but it may not directly impact self-esteem like volunteering does.
Which response demonstrates both empathy and understanding of the relationship genetics has to the development of schizophrenia in twins?
- A. In fraternal twins, the chance of the other twin developing the disorder is quite small.
- B. No one can say what will happen, so we will hope for the best for you and both of your sons.
- C. You poor woman! I wish I could tell you that your other son will be free of the disorder
- D. Studies show that 50% of twins develop schizophrenia when it is present in the other twin.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it provides an empathetic response by acknowledging the concern of the parent and demonstrating an understanding of the genetic link between twins and schizophrenia. By citing a specific statistic (50%), it shows knowledge of the relationship between genetics and the development of schizophrenia in twins.
Choice A is incorrect because it downplays the genetic influence by suggesting a small chance, which is not accurate.
Choice B is incorrect because it dismisses the seriousness of the situation and does not address the genetics aspect of the disorder.
Choice C is incorrect because it is not based on factual information and offers sympathy without addressing the genetic component of schizophrenia in twins.
A patient living in community housing for the elderly says, “I don’t go to the senior citizens club. They play cards and talk about the past because that’s all they can do.” The nurse analyzes these remarks to represent:
- A. Failure to achieve developmental tasks
- B. Hypercritical behavior
- C. Paranoid thinking
- D. Thinking associated with ageism
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Thinking associated with ageism. This is because the patient's statement reflects a negative stereotype about older adults, assuming they are limited to playing cards and reminiscing about the past. Ageism involves discrimination or prejudice based on someone's age, which can lead to stereotyping and marginalization.
A: Failure to achieve developmental tasks - This choice does not directly relate to the patient's statement about ageism.
B: Hypercritical behavior - The patient's statement does not indicate hypercritical behavior, but rather a biased perspective on aging.
C: Paranoid thinking - The patient's statement does not demonstrate paranoid thinking, but rather a biased view of older adults based on ageist beliefs.
In summary, the correct answer is D as the patient's remarks reflect ageist thinking, while the other choices do not align with the content of the patient's statement.
Which statement made by a patient just prior to being transported for a scheduled ECT treatment would result in cancellation of the treatment?
- A. “Will I remember having this treatment?”
- B. “Did eating some crackers cause any problems?”
- C. "Is this going to help me feel better soon?"
- D. "I feel like I need to ask more questions about the procedure."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because asking about memory loss indicates a lack of informed consent and understanding of ECT procedure. Memory loss is a common side effect of ECT, and a patient should be well-informed about it before treatment. Choices B, C, and D do not raise concerns about the patient's understanding or readiness for ECT, making them incorrect. Choice B asks about dietary concerns, which do not directly impact the treatment. Choice C shows the patient's hope for improvement, which is a positive attitude. Choice D indicates the patient's desire for more information, which is a sign of engagement in their care.