A patient is declared brain dead and a do not resuscitate (DNR) order is put in place. The nurse caring for the patient does not agree with this manne r of care but does not express any concerns to the charge nurse. The nurse’s feeling that the p atient is being killed will likely create what response for this nurse?
- A. A sense of abandonment
- B. Increased family stress
- C. Moral distress
- D. A sense of negligence
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Moral distress. In this scenario, the nurse is experiencing conflicting moral values between the decision made for the patient and their own beliefs. This internal conflict leads to moral distress, a common response when healthcare professionals feel unable to act in accordance with their ethical beliefs. This can lead to emotional turmoil, frustration, and moral residue.
A: A sense of abandonment is incorrect because the nurse is still caring for the patient, so there is no physical abandonment.
B: Increased family stress is incorrect as the nurse's internal conflict does not directly impact family stress.
D: A sense of negligence is incorrect as negligence implies failure to provide proper care, which is not the case here.
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The nurse admits a terminally ill patient to the hospital. What is the first action that the nurse should complete when planning this patient care?
- A. Determine the patient’s wishes regarding end-of-life care.
- B. Emphasize the importance of addressing any family issues.
- C. Discuss the normal grief process with the patient and family.
- D. Encourage the patient to talk about any fears or unresolved issues.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because determining the patient's wishes regarding end-of-life care is crucial in providing patient-centered care and ensuring that the patient's preferences are respected. By understanding the patient's preferences, healthcare providers can tailor the care plan to align with the patient's values and goals. This helps in promoting autonomy, dignity, and quality of life for the patient.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although addressing family issues, discussing grief, and encouraging the patient to express fears are important aspects of caring for a terminally ill patient, they are not the first action that should be completed. Prioritizing the patient's wishes ensures that the care plan is centered around the patient's needs and preferences, which is essential in providing holistic and patient-centered care.
The nurse is caring for a patient who requires administration of a neuromuscular blocking (NMB) agent to facilitate ventilation with non-traditional m odes. The nurse understands that neuromuscular blocking agents provide what outcome?
- A. Lessened antianxiety
- B. Complete analgesia.
- C. High levels of sedation.
- D. No sedation or analgesia.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: No sedation or analgesia. Neuromuscular blocking agents do not provide sedation or pain relief; they solely act on skeletal muscles to induce paralysis for procedures like intubation. Choice A is incorrect because NMB agents do not affect anxiety levels. Choice B is incorrect because NMB agents do not provide analgesia. Choice C is incorrect because NMB agents do not induce sedation. The primary purpose of NMB agents is to induce muscle paralysis without affecting consciousness or pain perception.
The nurse is managing a donor patient six hours prior to th e scheduled harvesting of the patient’s organs. Which assessment finding requires imme diate action by the nurse?
- A. Morning serum blood glucose of 128 mg/dL
- B. pH 7.30; PaCO 38 mm Hg; HCO 16 mEq/L 2 3
- C. Pulmonary artery temperature of 97.8° F
- D. Central venous pressure of 8 mm Hg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The patient's pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis, PaCO2 of 38 mm Hg is low, and HCO3 of 16 mEq/L is also low, suggesting metabolic acidosis. This finding requires immediate action as untreated acidosis can lead to serious complications.
Choice A (morning serum blood glucose of 128 mg/dL) is within normal range and does not require immediate action.
Choice C (pulmonary artery temperature of 97.8°F) is a normal temperature and does not require immediate action.
Choice D (central venous pressure of 8 mm Hg) is within normal range and does not require immediate action.
A Muslim woman is admitted to the ICU after suffering severe burns over most of her body. Which of the following would be the most appropriate measure for the nurse, a woman, to take in respect for the cultural practices of this patient?
- A. Insist that only a female doctor be assigned to this patient.
- B. Ensure that no pork products are included in the patients diet.
- C. Ensure that direct eye contact is not made with the patients husband.
- D. Ask the patients husband what religious and cultural preferences should be considered in the patients care.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it demonstrates respect for the patient's autonomy and individual preferences. By asking the patient's husband about religious and cultural preferences, the nurse acknowledges the importance of involving the family in decision-making and shows sensitivity to the patient's beliefs. This approach promotes cultural competence and patient-centered care.
Choice A is incorrect because insisting on a female doctor may not align with the patient's preferences and may limit the available medical staff. Choice B is also incorrect as dietary restrictions are not necessarily the most pressing issue in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as it assumes a cultural practice without verifying the patient's specific preferences and may not be necessary or appropriate in this context.
Which of the following professional organizations best supports critical care nursing practice?
- A. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- B. American Heart Association
- C. American Nurses Association
- D. Society of Critical Care Medicine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This organization focuses exclusively on critical care nursing, offering specialized education, resources, and certifications for critical care nurses. AACN advocates for high standards of care in critical care settings. The other choices do not specifically cater to critical care nursing practice. The American Heart Association focuses on cardiovascular health, the American Nurses Association is a general nursing organization, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine is more physician-centric. Therefore, A is the best choice for supporting critical care nursing practice.