Nokea
A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and is approaching death. The client is short of breath and has noisy respirations from secretions in their airway. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Turn the client every 2 hours.
- B. Administer an anti-cholinergic medication.
- C. Hold oral care.
- D. Increase the room's temperature.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer an anti-cholinergic medication. This is because anti-cholinergic medications can help reduce secretions in the airway, thus improving the client's breathing and reducing the noisy respirations. Turning the client every 2 hours (choice A) may provide comfort but does not address the immediate issue of airway secretions. Holding oral care (choice C) is important for overall comfort but does not directly address the client's breathing difficulty. Increasing the room's temperature (choice D) is unlikely to improve the client's respiratory distress and may even make it worse.
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A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client about self-administering heparin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Stir the needle to 15° before administration.
- B. Aspire the syringe prior to administration.
- C. Administer the medication to the abdomen.
- D. Massage the site following the injection.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Administer the medication to the abdomen.
Rationale: Heparin is typically administered subcutaneously. The abdomen has a larger subcutaneous tissue area compared to other sites, allowing for better absorption and reducing the risk of tissue damage. Administering heparin in the abdomen also minimizes the risk of hitting blood vessels and nerves. It is important to rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage and ensure consistent absorption.
Summary of other choices:
A: Stirring the needle to a specific angle is unnecessary and can increase the risk of needle breakage or improper administration.
B: Aspiration is not required for subcutaneous injections as it may cause unnecessary tissue trauma.
D: Massaging the site after injection can lead to bruising and discomfort.
E, F, G: Choices left blank as they are not relevant to the administration of heparin.
A nurse is assessing a client with heart failure. The client reports increasing shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness. Which of the following findings in the assessment should the nurse identify as most concerning?
- A. Weak pulses with +2 dependent edema in lower extremities.
- B. Slightly labored respirations at rest.
- C. Wheezes and crackles in the chest.
- D. Reports productive cough during the overnight hours.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Wheezes and crackles in the chest. This finding is most concerning in a client with heart failure as it indicates potential fluid overload in the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange and worsening respiratory status. Wheezes suggest bronchoconstriction, while crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the alveoli, both of which can exacerbate shortness of breath. Weak pulses with dependent edema (choice A) are expected in heart failure but do not directly point to acute decompensation. Slightly labored respirations at rest (choice B) may be common in heart failure but do not indicate immediate deterioration. Reports of a productive cough (choice D) can be a sign of fluid retention but are less urgent compared to wheezes and crackles.
A nurse is caring for a client who requires an NG tube for stomach decompression. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when inserting the NG tube?
- A. Position the client at the head of the bed elevated to 30° prior to insertion of the NG tube.
- B. Remove the NG tube if the client begins to gag or choke.
- C. Apply suction to the NG tube prior to insertion.
- D. Have the client take sips of water to promote insertion of the NG tube into the esophagus.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Having the client take sips of water serves to promote the insertion of the NG tube into the esophagus by facilitating swallowing and opening the esophageal sphincter, making it easier to pass the tube through. This action helps ensure proper placement of the tube in the stomach without risking insertion into the trachea or lungs.
Summary of other choices:
A: Positioning the client at the head of the bed elevated to 30° is important but is not directly related to the insertion of the NG tube.
B: Removing the NG tube if the client gags or chokes is incorrect as these are common responses during insertion, and removing the tube may lead to premature discontinuation.
C: Applying suction to the NG tube prior to insertion is unnecessary and may cause discomfort or damage to the mucosa.
A nurse is educating a client who has a terminal illness about declining resuscitation in a living will. The client asks, 'What would happen if I arrived at the emergency department and I had difficulty breathing?' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. We would consult the person appointed by your health care proxy to make decisions.
- B. We would give you oxygen through a tube in your nose.
- C. You would be unable to change your previous wishes about your care.
- D. We would insert a breathing tube while we evaluate your condition.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: We would consult the person appointed by your health care proxy to make decisions. This response aligns with the client's living will and respects their wishes for declining resuscitation. By involving the designated health care proxy, the healthcare team ensures that decisions are made in accordance with the client's preferences.
Choice B is incorrect because providing oxygen through a tube does not address the client's concerns about declining resuscitation. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the client's current situation or need for support in the emergency department. Choice D is incorrect as it goes against the client's expressed wishes in the living will. It is important to prioritize the client's autonomy and respect their decisions regarding end-of-life care.
A nurse is caring for a client who has an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The provider briefly discusses treatment options and leaves the client's room. When the nurse asks if the client would like to discuss any concerns, the client declines. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
- A. I will return shortly after I document this in your record.
- B. Most men live a long time with prostate cancer.
- C. I am available to talk if you should change your mind.
- D. I will make a referral to a cancer support group for you.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I am available to talk if you should change your mind." This response shows the nurse's willingness to provide support and maintain an open line of communication without being intrusive. It respects the client's current decision while also conveying availability for future discussions, promoting trust and rapport.
A: Incorrect. This response prioritizes documentation over the client's emotional needs.
B: Incorrect. While well-intentioned, this statement may offer false reassurance and overlooks individual variability in prognosis.
D: Incorrect. Referring to a support group without the client's consent may not align with their current preferences.
E: Incorrect. Incomplete choice.
F: Incorrect. Incomplete choice.
G: Incorrect. Incomplete choice.