A nurse in a burn unit observes that a patient is tensed up and frowning but silent. The nurse asks the patient, Can you tell me what you are thinking now? The patient responds, I cant take this pain any more! I feel like Im about to die. What would be the best response for the nurse to give to the patient, considering that the patient is already receiving the maximum amount pain medication that is safe?
- A. Try to get rid of those negative thoughtsthey only make it worse.
- B. Try thinking instead, This pain will go away; I can overcome it.
- C. Your pain medication is already at the highest possible dose.
- D. Would you like me to raise the head of your bed?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C: Your pain medication is already at the highest possible dose. This response acknowledges the patient's pain and reassures them that they are already receiving the maximum safe amount of pain medication. By stating this, the nurse is validating the patient's experience and showing empathy. It is important for the nurse to communicate clearly about the medication to manage the patient's expectations.
Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's pain and can come across as insensitive. Choice B may be well-intentioned but does not address the immediate concern of the patient's pain. Choice D is irrelevant to the patient's statement about pain and does not offer any immediate support or reassurance regarding the pain management.
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The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient. T he primary care providers are considering performing a tracheostomy because the patienatb iirsb .hcoamv/itensgt difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation. Related to tracheostomy, the nurse understands which of the following?
- A. Patient outcomes are better if the tracheostomy is done within a week of intubation.
- B. Percutaneous tracheostomy can be done safely at the b edside by the respiratory therapist.
- C. Procedures performed in the operating room are associaabtirebd.c owmi/ttehs tf ewer complications.
- D. The greatest risk after a percutaneous tracheostomy is accidental decannulation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Procedures performed in the operating room are associated with fewer complications. This is because performing a tracheostomy in the operating room allows for better control of the environment, equipment, and expertise of the surgical team. In this setting, the risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, and injury to surrounding structures is minimized.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect:
A: Patient outcomes are better if the tracheostomy is done within a week of intubation - This statement is not universally true and depends on individual patient factors. Timing of tracheostomy should be based on the patient's clinical condition and not a set timeline.
B: Percutaneous tracheostomy can be done safely at the bedside by the respiratory therapist - While percutaneous tracheostomy can be performed at the bedside, it is typically done by a trained physician or surgeon due to the potential risks and complications involved.
D: The greatest risk after a per
As the nurse admits a patient with end-stage kidney disease to the hospital, the patient tells the nurse, 'If my heart or breathing stops, I do not want to be resuscitated.' Which action is best for the nurse to take?
- A. Ask if these wishes have been discussed with the healthcare provider.
- B. Place a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) notation in the patient’s care plan.
- C. Inform the patient that a notarized advance directive must be included in the record.
- D. Advise the patient to designate a person to make health care decisions.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Asking if these wishes have been discussed with the healthcare provider is important to ensure that the patient's wishes are documented and considered in the care plan.
Step 2: The healthcare provider needs to be aware of the patient's preferences regarding resuscitation to provide appropriate care.
Step 3: This step helps in clarifying the patient's preferences and ensures that the healthcare team follows the patient's wishes.
Step 4: Placing a DNR notation without consulting the healthcare provider may not align with the patient's overall care plan and may lead to potential legal and ethical issues.
Step 5: Informing the patient about notarized advance directives and designating a person for healthcare decisions are important but not the immediate step needed in this scenario.
In summary, choice A is correct as it prioritizes communication with the healthcare provider to ensure the patient's wishes are properly documented and followed. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not involve confirming the patient's wishes
When providing palliative care, the nurse must keep in mind that the family may include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Unmarried life partners of same sex
- B. Unmarried life partners of opposite sex
- C. Roommates
- D. Close friends
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Unmarried life partners of same sex. When providing palliative care, it's crucial to recognize and respect diverse family structures. Unmarried life partners of the same sex may form a significant familial bond, requiring support and involvement in care decisions. This choice aligns with the principles of inclusivity and non-discrimination in palliative care.
Incorrect choices:
B: Unmarried life partners of the opposite sex - This choice is incorrect as it limits the definition of family to only opposite-sex partners, excluding same-sex couples.
C: Roommates - While roommates may provide support, they do not necessarily have the same level of emotional and decision-making involvement as family members or life partners.
D: Close friends - While close friends can be important sources of support, they do not necessarily have the same legal or emotional ties as a life partner.
Gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal are ordered for an unconscious patient who has been admitted to the emergency department (ED) after ingesting 30 lorazepam (Ativan) tablets. Which action should the nurse plan to do first?
- A. Insert a large-bore orogastric tube.
- B. Assist with the intubation of the patient.
- C. Prepare a 60-mL syringe with saline.
- D. Give the first dose of activated charcoal.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assist with the intubation of the patient. In this scenario, the patient is unconscious and has ingested a potentially harmful substance. Intubation is the first priority to maintain the patient's airway and ensure adequate oxygenation. This step is crucial in preventing aspiration of gastric contents and securing the patient's respiratory status. Inserting a large-bore orogastric tube (choice A) is not the priority as airway management takes precedence. Preparing a syringe with saline (choice C) is unnecessary at this stage. Giving the first dose of activated charcoal (choice D) should only be done after securing the airway to prevent aspiration.
A critical care unit has decided to implement several measures designed to improve intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to an expected improvement in patient outcomes, what is the most important effect that should resultf rom these measures?
- A. Identification of incompetent practitioners
- B. Improvement in manners on the unit
- C. Increased staff retention
- D. Less discussion in front of patients and families
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale:
- Improved collaboration enhances job satisfaction and reduces burnout, leading to increased staff retention.
- Higher staff retention promotes continuity of care, improves team dynamics, and enhances patient outcomes.
Summary:
- A: Not directly related to collaboration, more about performance evaluation.
- B: Manners may improve, but not the most important effect of collaboration.
- D: Collaboration involves open communication, so less discussion in front of patients is not a positive outcome.