The client diagnosed with end-stage liver disease has completed an advance directive and a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) document and wishes to receive palliative care. Which of the following would correspond to the client's wish for comfort care?
- A. Positioning frequently to prevent skin breakdown and providing pain management and other comfort measures
- B. Carrying out vigorous resuscitation efforts if the client were to stop breathing, but no resuscitation if the heart stops beating
- C. Providing intravenous fluids when the client becomes dehydrated
- D. Providing total parenteral nutrition (TPN) if the client is not able to eat
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Palliative care includes measures to prevent skin breakdown, pain management, and management of other symptoms that cause discomfort, as well as encouraging contact with family and friends. A DNR request precludes all resuscitative efforts related to respiratory or cardiac arrest, making choice B incorrect. Dehydration is a natural part of the dying process, so providing intravenous fluids as in choice C would not align with the client's wish for comfort care. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as in choice D is an invasive procedure meant to prolong life and is not part of palliative care, which focuses on improving quality of life rather than extending it.
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The nurse is assessing the newborn's respirations. Which of these findings would indicate a need for follow-up and further intervention?
- A. irregular respirations
- B. abdominal respirations
- C. shallow respirations
- D. 70 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The ideal respiratory rate in a newborn is 30-60 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 70 breaths per minute indicates tachypnea and may require intervention. Therefore, a rate of 70 breaths per minute would necessitate follow-up and further intervention. Irregular, abdominal, and shallow respirations are common in newborns and may not necessarily indicate the need for immediate follow-up or intervention.
The client with peripheral vascular disease is reviewing self-care measures. Which of the following statements indicates proper self-care measures?
- A. "I like to soak my feet in the hot tub every day."?
- B. "I walk to the mailbox in my bare feet."?
- C. "I stopped smoking and only use chewing tobacco."?
- D. "I have my wife examine the soles of my feet each day."?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is, "I have my wife examine the soles of my feet each day."? Clients with peripheral vascular disease should examine their feet daily for any signs of redness, dryness, or cuts. If the client is unable to do this themselves due to decreased sensation in their feet, a caregiver or family member should assist. Soaking feet in a hot tub should be avoided as the client may not be able to sense if the water is too hot, potentially causing burns. Walking barefoot can lead to injuries, so wearing shoes or slippers is recommended to minimize trauma. While quitting smoking is a positive step, using chewing tobacco can still constrict blood vessels, adversely affecting circulation in the extremities.
Which of the following medications is a serotonin antagonist that might be used to relieve nausea and vomiting?
- A. metoclopramide (Reglan)
- B. ondansetron (Zofran)
- C. hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
- D. prochlorperazine (Compazine)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Zofran is a serotonin antagonist commonly used to relieve nausea and vomiting by blocking serotonin receptors. Metoclopramide (Reglan) acts on dopamine receptors, hydroxyzine (Vistaril) is an antihistamine, and prochlorperazine (Compazine) is a dopamine antagonist. While these medications can also be used for nausea and vomiting, they do not primarily function as serotonin antagonists like ondansetron.
The healthcare provider should utilize data about which of the following to provide information about the nutritional status of a client being evaluated for malnutrition?
- A. triceps skinfold measurement
- B. fasting blood glucose level
- C. hemoglobin A1c level
- D. serum lipid profile results
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Objective anthropometric measurements such as triceps skinfold and mid-arm circumference (MAC), along with weight, are usually used to diagnose malnutrition. Triceps skinfold measurement specifically helps assess body fat and muscle mass, providing valuable information about the client's nutritional status. Fasting blood glucose level, hemoglobin A1c level, and serum lipid profile results are important tests in assessing different aspects of health such as diabetes management and cardiovascular risk, but they are not specific indicators of malnutrition.
The nurse is caring for a client following an appendectomy. The client reports nausea and complains of surgical site pain at a 6 on a 0 to 10 scale. The client's employer is present in the room and states he is paying for the insurance and wants to know what pain medication has been prescribed by the physician. Which of the following is the appropriate nurse response?
- A. Answer any questions the employer may have as he pays for the insurance.
- B. Tell the employer his question is inappropriate and that the information is none of his business.
- C. Explain to the employer that you cannot release private information and ask the employer to step out while you conduct your assessment of the client.
- D. Ask the employer to leave and wait until the client returns home to visit.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The appropriate nurse response is to explain to the employer that private information cannot be released and ask the employer to step out while conducting the assessment. This approach respects the client's privacy while still acknowledging the employer. The employer's payment for insurance does not grant rights to confidential information. Sharing information without permission violates the client's right to privacy under HIPAA. Option A is incorrect as it compromises the client's confidentiality by sharing private medical information. Option B is inappropriate and unprofessional as it does not address the situation respectfully. Option D is incorrect as it does not prioritize the client's immediate needs and assumes the client's consent without proper communication.