A patient with end-stage heart failure is experiencing consaibdirebr.caobmle/te dsty spnea. What is the appropriate pharmacological management of this symptom ?
- A. Administration of 6 mg of midazolam and initiation of a continuous midazolam infusion.
- B. Administration of morphine, 5 mg IV bolus, and initia tion of a continuous morphine infusion.
- C. Hourly increases of the midazolam (Versed) infusion b y 100% dose increments.
- D. Hourly increases of the morphine infusion by 100% dose increments.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administration of morphine, 5 mg IV bolus, and initiation of a continuous morphine infusion. Morphine is the preferred pharmacological management for severe dyspnea in end-stage heart failure due to its potent analgesic and anxiolytic properties.
Step-by-step rationale:
1. Morphine is a potent opioid that helps relieve dyspnea by reducing anxiety, decreasing respiratory drive, and improving overall comfort.
2. The initial IV bolus of 5 mg provides rapid relief of dyspnea.
3. Initiating a continuous morphine infusion ensures sustained relief of dyspnea.
4. Midazolam (choice A) is a benzodiazepine used for sedation and anxiety, but it is not the first-line treatment for dyspnea in this scenario.
5. Increasing the midazolam (choice C) or morphine (choice D) infusions by 100% dose increments hourly is not appropriate as
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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.
A male client is angry and is leaving the hospital against medical advice (AMA). The client demands to take his chart with him and states the chart is 'his' and he doesn’t want any more contact with the hospital. How should the nurse respond?
- A. This hospital does not need to keep it if you are leaving and not returning here.
- B. Because you are leaving against medical advice, you may not have your chart.
- C. The information in your chart is confidential and cannot leave this facility legally.
- D. The chart is the property of the hospital but I will see that a copy is made for you.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the client's medical chart is the property of the hospital, but the client has the right to a copy of the information. By offering to make a copy of the chart for the client, the nurse respects the client's autonomy while also ensuring that the hospital maintains the original medical record. This response balances the client's rights with legal and ethical considerations.
Choice A is incorrect because the hospital is legally obligated to maintain the client's medical record even if the client leaves against medical advice. Choice B is incorrect as it denies the client access to their medical information, which goes against the principle of patient autonomy. Choice C is also incorrect as it does not address the client's request for a copy of their chart.
Which of the following factors predispose the critically ill patient to pain and anxiety? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Inability to communicate
- B. Invasive procedures
- C. Monitoring devices
- D. Preexisting conditions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inability to communicate. Critically ill patients often experience pain and anxiety due to their inability to effectively communicate their needs and discomfort. This can lead to unaddressed pain and increased anxiety levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while invasive procedures, monitoring devices, and preexisting conditions can contribute to pain and anxiety in critically ill patients, they are not factors that directly predispose patients to these issues. It is the lack of communication that significantly hinders the ability to address and manage pain and anxiety effectively in these patients.
In the critically ill patient, an incomplete assessment and/or management of pain or anxiety may be hampered by which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Administration of neuromuscular blocking agents
- B. Delirium
- C. Effective nurse communication and assessment skills
- D. Nonverbal patients
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Administration of neuromuscular blocking agents can hinder pain or anxiety assessment as it paralyzes the patient, preventing them from communicating discomfort.
2. Delirium may affect the patient's ability to express pain or anxiety, but it does not directly impede assessment and management.
3. Effective nurse communication and assessment skills facilitate, rather than hamper, pain or anxiety assessment.
4. Nonverbal patients can still communicate pain or anxiety through nonverbal cues, so they do not necessarily hinder assessment.
The nurse wishes to enhance sleep cycles in her critically ill patient. Research has shown that which nursing action improves sleep in critically ill patients?
- A. Repositioning every 2 hours
- B. Hypnotic medications
- C. Five-minute back effleurage
- D. Adequate pain control
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Adequate pain control. Pain can significantly disrupt sleep in critically ill patients. By ensuring adequate pain control, the nurse can help improve the patient's ability to rest and sleep. This intervention targets a key factor affecting sleep cycles in critically ill patients. Repositioning every 2 hours (A) may help prevent pressure ulcers but does not directly address sleep improvement. Hypnotic medications (B) may have adverse effects and are not recommended as a first-line intervention. Five-minute back effleurage (C) may provide temporary relaxation but is not as effective as adequate pain control in improving sleep quality.