Nokea
An unresponsive 79-year-old is admitted to the emergency department (ED) during a summer heat wave. The patient’s core temperature is 105.4°F (40.8°C), blood pressure (BP) 88/50, and pulse 112. The nurse initially will plan to:
- A. Apply wet sheets and a fan to the patient.
- B. Provide O2 at 6 L/min with a nasal cannula.
- C. Start lactated Ringer's solution at 1000 mL/hr.
- D. Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) rectal suppository.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Apply wet sheets and a fan to the patient. This is the initial treatment for hyperthermia to aid in lowering the body temperature. Wet sheets help in evaporative cooling, while a fan enhances heat loss through convection. This approach is crucial in managing heat-related illnesses quickly. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the urgent need to reduce the patient's elevated core temperature. Providing O2, IV fluids, or acetaminophen can be considered later in the management, but the priority is to rapidly lower the body temperature in a hyperthermic patient to prevent further complications.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse understands that many strategies are available to address ethical issues that may occur; these strategies include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Change-of-shift report updates
- B. Ethics consultation services
- C. Formal multiprofessional ethics committees
- D. Pastoral care services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ethics consultation services. These services involve seeking guidance from experts to navigate complex ethical dilemmas. They provide in-depth analysis and recommendations based on ethical principles, helping healthcare professionals make informed decisions. Change-of-shift report updates (A) are essential for continuity of care but do not directly address ethical issues. Formal multiprofessional ethics committees (C) are valuable for reviewing policies and addressing systemic ethical concerns but may not be readily available for immediate guidance. Pastoral care services (D) offer spiritual support but may not always have the expertise to handle complex ethical dilemmas. Ethics consultation services (B) are the most suitable option for addressing specific ethical issues promptly and effectively.
Which interventions may be included during “terminal we aning”? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Complete extubation following ventilator withdrawal
- B. Discontinuation of artificial ventilation but maintenanc e of the artificial airway
- C. Discontinuation of anxiolytic and pain medications
- D. Titration of ventilator support based upon blood gas de terminations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because during terminal weaning, the artificial ventilation is discontinued while maintaining the artificial airway to ensure comfort and support. This allows the patient to breathe on their own with support as needed.
Explanation:
1. Option A: Complete extubation following ventilator withdrawal may not be suitable during terminal weaning as it involves removing the breathing tube entirely.
2. Option C: Discontinuation of anxiolytic and pain medications may not always be appropriate during terminal weaning as it depends on the patient's comfort needs.
3. Option D: Titration of ventilator support based on blood gas determinations is not typically done during terminal weaning as the focus is on gradual withdrawal of ventilation support while maintaining comfort.
The nurse is caring for a patient with an admitting diagnosis of congestive failure. While attempting to obtain a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure in the supine position, the patient becomes anxious and tachypneic. What is the best action by the nurse?
- A. Limit the patient’s supine position to no more than 10 seconds.
- B. Administer anxiety medications while recording the pressure.
- C. Encourage the patient to take slow deep breaths while asbuirpb.icnoem./ test
- D. Elevate the head of the bed 45 degrees while recording pressures.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Elevate the head of the bed 45 degrees while recording pressures.
Rationale:
1. Elevating the head of the bed will help improve the patient's breathing by reducing the pressure on the diaphragm.
2. This position will also help alleviate the patient's anxiety and tachypnea, promoting better oxygenation.
3. Recording pressures in this position will provide accurate data for monitoring the patient's condition.
Summary:
A: Limiting the supine position to 10 seconds does not address the underlying issues causing the patient's anxiety and tachypnea.
B: Administering anxiety medications without addressing the positioning issue may not effectively manage the patient's symptoms.
C: Encouraging the patient to take slow deep breaths is helpful, but changing the position of the patient is more crucial in this situation.
The patient’s significant other is terrified by the prospect o f removing life-sustaining treatments from the patient and asks why anyone would do that. What explanation should the nurse provide?
- A. “It is to save you money so you won’t have such a large financial burden.”
- B. “It will preserve limited resources for the hospital so oatbhirebr.c pomat/tieesnt ts may benefit from them.”
- C. “It is to discontinue treatments that are not helping and may be very uncomfortable.”
- D. “We have done all we can for your wife and any more treatment would be futile.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it explains that the decision to remove life-sustaining treatments is based on the fact that these treatments are not helping the patient and may actually be causing discomfort. This rationale aligns with the principle of beneficence, which emphasizes doing good and avoiding harm to the patient. It also respects the patient's autonomy by prioritizing their well-being and quality of life.
Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on financial reasons rather than the patient's best interest. Choice B is incorrect because it prioritizes hospital resources over individual patient care. Choice D is incorrect as it lacks clarity and may come across as insensitive to the significant other's concerns.
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.