A patient nearing death experiences increased secretions and noisy breathing. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Provide suctioning every hour.
- B. Administer anticholinergic medications as prescribed.
- C. Elevate the head of the bed and reposition frequently.
- D. Restrict oral intake to minimize secretions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer anticholinergic medications as prescribed. Anticholinergic medications can help dry up secretions and improve breathing in a patient nearing death. This intervention targets the underlying cause of increased secretions. Suctioning (choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the root issue. Elevating the head of the bed and repositioning (choice C) can help with comfort but do not directly address the secretions. Restricting oral intake (choice D) may lead to dehydration and discomfort without effectively managing the secretions. Administering anticholinergic medications is the priority as it directly targets the symptom of increased secretions, improving the patient's comfort and quality of life.
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Which statement is consistent with societal views of dying in the United States?
- A. Dying is viewed as a failure on the part of the system and providers.
- B. Most Americans would prefer to die in a hospital to spaabrireb .lcoomve/teds to nes the burden of care.
- C. People die of indistinct, complex illness for which a cu re is always possible.
- D. The purpose of the healthcare system is to prevent dise ase and treat symptoms.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D because the purpose of the healthcare system in the United States is primarily focused on disease prevention and symptom management. This aligns with societal views as healthcare is geared towards improving health outcomes and quality of life.
Incorrect choices:
A: Dying is not viewed as a failure of the system or providers, rather as a natural part of life.
B: Most Americans prefer to die at home or in hospice care rather than in a hospital.
C: Illnesses are not always curable, and death can result from various complex conditions beyond treatment.
A nurse is on a committee that is trying to reduce the occurrence of hospital-acquired infections in the ICU. Her role is to conduct research to find which interventions have been shown to be most effective in reducing these infections. She consults many different sources and finds conflicting information. Which of the following sources should she consider the most authoritative?
- A. AACN expert panel report
- B. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in the American Journal of Nursing
- C. A systematic review of qualitative studies in the Journal of Advanced Nursing
- D. A single randomized controlled trial in the American Journal of Critical Care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in the American Journal of Nursing.
1. Meta-analyses provide a comprehensive overview of multiple studies, increasing the reliability of the findings.
2. Randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard in research design for assessing intervention effectiveness.
3. The American Journal of Nursing is a reputable source in the field of nursing, ensuring the credibility of the study.
4. By synthesizing data from various trials, the meta-analysis can offer a more robust and generalizable conclusion compared to a single trial or qualitative studies.
Incorrect choices:
A: AACN expert panel report - Expert opinions may vary and lack the empirical evidence provided by research studies.
C: A systematic review of qualitative studies in the Journal of Advanced Nursing - Qualitative studies may provide valuable insights but may not offer concrete evidence on intervention effectiveness like quantitative studies.
D: A single randomized controlled trial in the American Journal of Critical Care - Single trials may not capture the full picture and
A patient with hypotension and an elevated temperature after working outside on a hot day is treated in the emergency department (ED). The nurse determines that discharge teaching has been effective when the patient makes which statement?
- A. I will take salt tablets when I work outdoors in the summer.
- B. I should take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if I start to feel too warm.
- C. I should drink sports drinks when working outside in hot weather.
- D. I will move to a cool environment if I notice that I am feeling confused.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I should drink sports drinks when working outside in hot weather." This statement is correct because hypotension and elevated temperature could indicate dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to excessive sweating in hot weather. Drinking sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating and prevent dehydration.
Incorrect choices:
A: Taking salt tablets can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes and worsen the condition.
B: Acetaminophen can lower fever but does not address dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
D: Moving to a cool environment when feeling confused is important but does not address the underlying issue of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
The nurse cares for a patient with lung cancer in a home hospice program. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Discuss cancer risk factors and appropriate lifestyle modifications.
- B. Encourage the patient to discuss past life events and their meaning.
- C. Teach the patient about the purpose of chemotherapy and radiation.
- D. Accomplish a thorough head-to-toe assessment several times a week.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a home hospice program, it is essential for the nurse to provide holistic care that includes addressing the patient's emotional and psychological needs. Encouraging the patient to discuss past life events and their meaning can help them process emotions, find closure, and improve their quality of life. This approach aligns with the principles of palliative care, which focus on enhancing comfort and well-being.
Choice A is incorrect because discussing cancer risk factors and lifestyle modifications may not be relevant or beneficial for a patient in a hospice program. Choice C is incorrect because chemotherapy and radiation are typically not part of hospice care, which focuses on comfort rather than curative treatments. Choice D is incorrect because a thorough head-to-toe assessment multiple times a week may not be necessary or appropriate for a patient in a hospice program.
Which action is best for the nurse to take to ensure culturally competent care for an alert, terminally ill Filipino patient?
- A. Ask the patient and family about their preferences for care during this time.
- B. Let the family decide whether to tell the patient about the terminal diagnosis.
- C. Obtain information from Filipino staff members about possible cultural needs.
- D. Remind family members that dying patients prefer to have someone at the bedside.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it promotes patient-centered care by involving the patient and family in decision-making, respecting their autonomy and preferences. This approach acknowledges the importance of cultural beliefs and values in end-of-life care. Choice B undermines patient autonomy by bypassing direct communication with the patient. Choice C assumes all Filipino individuals have the same cultural needs, which is not accurate. Choice D generalizes preferences without considering individual patient needs and wishes. Overall, choice A is the most appropriate as it aligns with the principles of patient-centered care and cultural competence.