Patients who are enrolled in hospice care through Medicare are often felt to suffer unnecessarily because they do not receive adequate attention for their symptoms of the underlying illness. What factor most contributes to this phenomenon?
- A. Unwillingness to overmedicate the dying patient
- B. Rules concerning completion of all cure-focused medical treatment
- C. Unwillingness of patients and families to acknowledge the patient is terminal
- D. Lack of knowledge of patients and families regarding availability of care
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The factor that most contributes to patients in hospice care not receiving adequate attention for their symptoms of the underlying illness is the unwillingness of patients and families to acknowledge that the patient is terminal. When patients and families are in denial or struggle to accept the terminal nature of the illness, they may avoid focusing on symptom management and comfort care that is essential in hospice care. This can prevent healthcare providers from effectively addressing and managing the patient's symptoms, leading to unnecessary suffering for the patient. Accepting the terminal nature of the illness allows for a shift in focus towards providing quality end-of-life care that prioritizes symptom management and comfort for the patient.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a mastoidectomy. In an effort to prevent postoperative infection, what intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Teach the patient about the risks of ototoxic medications.
- B. Instruct the patient to protect the ear from water for several weeks.
- C. Teach the patient to remove cerumen safely at least once per week.
- D. Instruct the patient to protect the ear from temperature extremes until healing is complete.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After a mastoidectomy, the ear should be protected from water for several weeks. This is because exposing the area to water can increase the risk of infection. Keeping the ear dry allows the surgical site to heal properly and reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications such as infection. Therefore, instructing the patient to protect the ear from water is an important intervention to prevent postoperative infection following a mastoidectomy.
Which of the following individuals would be the most appropriate candidate for immunotherapy?
- A. A patient who had an anaphylactic reaction to an insect sting
- B. A child with allergies to eggs and dairy
- C. A patient who has had a positive tuberculin skin test
- D. A patient with severe allergies to grass and tree pollen
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a form of treatment that can help reduce symptoms for individuals with severe allergies to substances such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. This treatment involves exposing the patient to small, increasing doses of the allergen over time to help the immune system gradually build up a tolerance. Patients with severe allergies to grass and tree pollen would most likely benefit from immunotherapy as it can help reduce their allergy symptoms and improve their quality of life. On the other hand, individuals with anaphylactic reactions to insect stings (Choice A), allergies to eggs and dairy (Choice B), or a positive tuberculin skin test (Choice C) are not typically candidates for immunotherapy as their conditions are not related to the type of allergies that are commonly treated with this method.
A patient with glaucoma has presented for a scheduled clinic visit and tells the nurse that she has begun taking an herbal remedy for her condition that was recommended by a work colleague. What instruction should the nurse provide to the patient?
- A. The patient should discuss this new remedy with her ophthalmologist promptly.
- B. The patient should monitor her IOP closely for the next several weeks.
- C. The patient should do further research on the herbal remedy.
- D. The patient should report any adverse effects to her pharmacist.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the patient is that the patient should discuss this new herbal remedy with her ophthalmologist promptly. This is essential because herbal remedies can interact with prescription medications or affect the patient's eye condition. The ophthalmologist can provide guidance on the safety and effectiveness of the herbal remedy in relation to the patient's glaucoma treatment plan. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of all treatments the patient is receiving to ensure coordinated and optimal care.
For the patient who delivered at 6:30 AM on January 10, Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) must be administered prior to
- A. 6:30 AM on January 13
- B. 6:30 PM on January 13
- C. 6:30 PM on January 14
- D. 6:30 AM on January 15
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) needs to be administered within 72 hours postpartum to Rh-negative patients who have given birth to Rh-positive infants to prevent Rh sensitization. The patient delivered at 6:30 AM on January 10, so the RhoGAM should be administered prior to that time on January 13, which is 72 hours postpartum. Therefore, the correct choice is A. 6:30 AM on January 10.
The mother of two young children has been diagnosed with HIV and expresses fear of dying. How should the nurse best respond to the patient?
- A. Would you like me to have the chaplain come speak with you?
- B. Youll learn much about the promise of a cure for HIV.
- C. Can you tell me what concerns you most about dying?
- D. You need to maintain hope because you may live for several years.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When the patient expresses fear of dying, the best response from the nurse would be to address the patient's concerns directly by asking, "Can you tell me what concerns you most about dying?" This response shows empathy and allows the patient to express their fears and thoughts openly. By understanding the specific concerns, the nurse can provide appropriate support and guidance to help alleviate the patient's fears and anxieties. It also opens up a dialogue for the nurse to provide information and reassurance based on the patient's individual needs and feelings.
Nokea