A young adult patient with metastatic cancer, who is very close to death, appears restless. The patient keeps repeating, 'I am not ready to die.' Which action is best for the nurse to take?
- A. Remind the patient that no one feels ready for death.
- B. Sit at the bedside and ask if there is anything the patient needs.
- C. Insist that family members remain at the bedside with the patient.
- D. Tell the patient that everything possible is being done to delay death.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because sitting at the bedside and asking if there is anything the patient needs demonstrates empathy and support. It allows the patient to express their concerns and fears, providing emotional comfort. It shows the nurse is actively listening and willing to help address any immediate needs or concerns.
Choice A is incorrect because it dismisses the patient's feelings and may come across as invalidating. Choice C is incorrect because insisting that family members remain may not be what the patient needs at that moment and could cause additional stress. Choice D is incorrect because it does not address the patient's emotional distress and may not be true in the context of terminal illness.
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A 54-year-old patient arrives in the emergency department (ED) after exposure to powdered lime at work. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Obtain the patient’s vital signs.
- B. Obtain a baseline complete blood count.
- C. Decontaminate the patient by showering with water.
- D. Brush off any visible powder on the skin and clothing.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because brushing off any visible powder on the skin and clothing is the first step in managing exposure to powdered lime. This action helps to remove the source of exposure and prevent further absorption through the skin. It is crucial to prevent additional contact and reduce the risk of further harm. Obtaining vital signs (choice A) and a complete blood count (choice B) can be important but should come after the initial decontamination. Decontaminating the patient by showering with water (choice C) is not recommended for lime exposure as it can react with water and cause further injury.
An ICU nurse has provided excellent care for a 6-year-old girl who had been admitted to the ICU for a head injury. The nurse was attentive not only to the needs of the patient but also went out of her way to care for the needs of the girls family. According to research, which of the following forms of recognition would the nurse value the most?
- A. A card from the girls family
- B. A plaque from the ICU physicians naming her as Nurse of the Year
- C. A letter of commendation from the hospitals administration
- D. A bouquet of flowers from her supervisor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A: A card from the girl's family. The nurse would value this form of recognition the most because it directly reflects the impact of her care on the patient and her family. It is a personal, heartfelt gesture that acknowledges the nurse's compassion and dedication. A card from the family shows genuine appreciation and gratitude for the nurse's efforts, making it the most meaningful form of recognition.
Summary:
- Choice B: A plaque from the ICU physicians could be seen as a formal recognition but lacks the personal touch and direct impact of the nurse's care on the patient and family.
- Choice C: A letter of commendation from the hospital's administration is a professional acknowledgment but may not capture the emotional connection and impact that the nurse had on the family.
- Choice D: A bouquet of flowers from her supervisor is a nice gesture but does not necessarily reflect the specific impact of the nurse's care on the patient and family.
A male client who has been taking propranolol (Inderal) for 18 months tells the nurse that the healthcare provider discontinued the medication because his blood pressure has been normal for the past three months. Which instruction should the nurse provide?
- A. Obtain another antihypertensive prescription to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- B. Stop the medication and keep an accurate record of blood pressure.
- C. Report any uncomfortable symptoms after stopping the medication.
- D. Ask the healthcare provider about tapering the drug dose over the next week.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ask the healthcare provider about tapering the drug dose over the next week. This answer is correct because propranolol is a beta-blocker, and abrupt discontinuation can lead to rebound hypertension, angina, or even myocardial infarction due to the sudden withdrawal of the medication. Tapering the drug dose over time allows the body to adjust gradually and reduces the risk of these adverse effects.
Choice A is incorrect because obtaining another antihypertensive prescription is not necessary if the client's blood pressure has been normal for the past three months. Choice B is incorrect because abruptly stopping the medication without tapering can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Choice C is incorrect because simply reporting uncomfortable symptoms without taking appropriate action (tapering the drug dose) is not addressing the potential risks associated with abrupt discontinuation of propranolol.
When addressing an ethical dilemma, contextual, physiolo gical, and personal factors of the situation must be considered. Which of the following is an example of a personal factor?
- A. The hospital has a policy that everyone must have an aadbvirba.ncocme/dte sdt irective on the chart.
- B. The patient has lost 20 pounds in the past month and is fatigued all of time.
- C. The patient has expressed their beliefs concerning wha t quality of life means and their wishes.
- D. The primary care provider considers care to be futile in a given situation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's expressed beliefs and wishes regarding quality of life are personal factors that directly influence the ethical dilemma. This factor reflects the individual's values, beliefs, and preferences, which are essential in making ethical decisions that respect the patient's autonomy. Considering the patient's beliefs helps healthcare professionals navigate complex ethical situations by aligning the care provided with the patient's values. Choices A, B, and D do not directly relate to personal factors but rather focus on hospital policies, physiological symptoms, and the provider's perspective, respectively. Personal factors are crucial in ethical decision-making as they center on the patient's autonomy and preferences.
The patient’s serum creatinine level is 0.7 mg/dL. The expected BUN level should be
- A. 1 to 2 mg/dL.
- B. 7 to 14 mg/dL.
- C. 10 to 20 mg/dL.
- D. 20 to 30 mg/dL.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (10 to 20 mg/dL). The normal BUN-to-creatinine ratio is approximately 10:1. With a serum creatinine level of 0.7 mg/dL, the expected BUN level should be around 7 to 14 mg/dL. Therefore, choice C (10 to 20 mg/dL) falls within this expected range. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical BUN-to-creatinine ratio and would indicate abnormal kidney function.