A patient in hospice care is experiencing dyspnea. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Position the patient flat on their back.
- B. Administer oxygen as prescribed.
- C. Restrict fluid intake to reduce congestion.
- D. Perform chest physiotherapy to improve breathing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer oxygen as prescribed. Dyspnea in a hospice patient often indicates respiratory distress, and administering oxygen can help improve oxygenation and alleviate breathing difficulty. Positioning the patient flat on their back (A) may worsen dyspnea due to increased pressure on the diaphragm. Restricting fluid intake (C) is not appropriate as dehydration can exacerbate respiratory distress. Chest physiotherapy (D) may not be suitable for a hospice patient experiencing dyspnea as it can be physically taxing and may not address the underlying cause effectively.
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Which intervention about visitation in the critical care unit is true?
- A. The majority of critical care nurses implement restricte d visiting hours to allow the patient to rest.
- B. Children should never be permitted to visit a critically ill family member.
- C. Visitation that is individualized to the needs of patients and family members is ideal.
- D. Visiting hours should always be unrestricted.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because individualized visitation meets the unique needs of patients and family members, promoting holistic care and emotional support. Choice A is incorrect as strictly restricted visiting hours may hinder family involvement in care. Choice B is incorrect as children can provide comfort and support. Choice D is incorrect as unrestricted visiting may disrupt patient rest and care routines.
A normal glomerular filtration rate is
- A. less than 80 mL/min.
- B. 80 to 125 mL/min.
- C. 125 to 180 mL/min.
- D. more than 189 mL/min.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (80 to 125 mL/min) because this range reflects the normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in adults. GFR measures the rate at which blood is filtered by the kidneys, typically around 125 mL/min. A GFR below 60 mL/min indicates kidney dysfunction, making option A incorrect. Option C (125 to 180 mL/min) is above the normal range. Option D (more than 189 mL/min) is too high and could indicate hyperfiltration, common in conditions like diabetes. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate within the normal GFR range.
The patient’s partner, experiencing anticipatory grieving, tells the nurse, “I don’t see any point in continuing to visit at the bedside, since it’s like I’m not even here.” What is the nurse’s best response to the partner’s statement?
- A. “You’re right, there is no awareness of anything going on now.”
- B. “Unresponsiveness doesn’t mean the sense of hearing is gone and there is a benefit from you being present.”
- C. “I’ll call you if the patient begins responding again.”
- D. “Why don’t you check to see if any other family memb er would like to visit?”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it acknowledges the partner's feelings while providing information that may help them cope. By stating that unresponsiveness doesn't mean the patient can't hear, the nurse highlights the importance of the partner's presence for emotional support. It encourages the partner to continue visiting, emphasizing their role in providing comfort to the patient.
Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the partner's feelings and lacks empathy. Choice C is incorrect as it implies the nurse will only involve the partner if the patient responds, neglecting the partner's emotional needs. Choice D is incorrect as it deflects responsibility from addressing the partner's concerns and suggests involving other family members without addressing the partner's feelings directly.
The nurse is caring for a patient in acute respiratory failure and understands that the patient should be positioned (Select all that apply.)
- A. high Fowler’s.
- B. side lying with head of bed elevated.
- C. sitting in a chair.
- D. supine with the bed flat.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: high Fowler's position. This position promotes optimal lung expansion by allowing the chest to expand fully, improving oxygenation. It also helps reduce the work of breathing. Side lying with the head of the bed elevated (B) may not provide the same level of lung expansion. Sitting in a chair (C) may not be suitable for a patient in acute respiratory failure as it may not provide adequate support for breathing. Supine with the bed flat (D) can worsen respiratory distress by limiting lung expansion.
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.