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The assessment of pain and anxiety is a continuous proces s. When critically ill patients exhibit signs of anxiety, what is the nurse’s first priority?
- A. To administer antianxiety medications as ordered
- B. To administer pain medication as ordered
- C. To identify and treat the underlying cause
- D. To reassess the patient hourly to determine whether symptoms resolve on their own
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To identify and treat the underlying cause. The first priority of the nurse when critically ill patients exhibit signs of anxiety is to determine the root cause of the anxiety. By identifying and addressing the underlying cause, the nurse can effectively manage the patient's anxiety and prevent further complications. Administering medications without understanding the cause can mask the symptoms and lead to ineffective treatment. Reassessing the patient hourly may not address the root cause and could delay appropriate intervention. Pain medication may not be necessary if the anxiety is not related to pain. Treating the underlying cause ensures holistic and effective care for the patient.
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During a client assessment, the client says, 'I can't walk very well.' Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Predict the likelihood of the outcome.
- B. Consider alternatives.
- C. Choose the most successful approach.
- D. Identify the problem.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Identify the problem. This is the first action the nurse should take in the nursing process as it helps in understanding the client's issue. By identifying the problem, the nurse can gather more information through further assessment to determine the underlying cause of the client's difficulty in walking. This step is crucial for developing an effective care plan and interventions.
A: Predict the likelihood of the outcome - This choice is not appropriate as predicting the outcome should come after identifying the problem and implementing interventions.
B: Consider alternatives - While considering alternatives is important in the decision-making process, it is not the immediate action needed in this scenario.
C: Choose the most successful approach - This choice is premature as the nurse needs to first identify the problem before determining the most successful approach.
The nurse is caring for a patient in acute respiratory failure and understands that the patient should be positioned (Select all that apply.)
- A. high Fowler’s.
- B. side lying with head of bed elevated.
- C. sitting in a chair.
- D. supine with the bed flat.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: high Fowler's position. This position promotes optimal lung expansion by allowing the chest to expand fully, improving oxygenation. It also helps reduce the work of breathing. Side lying with the head of the bed elevated (B) may not provide the same level of lung expansion. Sitting in a chair (C) may not be suitable for a patient in acute respiratory failure as it may not provide adequate support for breathing. Supine with the bed flat (D) can worsen respiratory distress by limiting lung expansion.
The nurse is assisting with endotracheal intubation of the p atient and recognizes that the procedure will be done in what order? (Put a comma and s pace between each answer choice.)
- A. Assess balloon on endotracheal tube for symmetry and laebairkb.sc.o m/test
- B. Assess lung fields for bilateral expansion.
- C. Inflate balloon of endotracheal tube.
- D. Insert endotracheal tube with laryngoscope and blade.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The first step in endotracheal intubation is to insert the endotracheal tube with a laryngoscope and blade to visualize the vocal cords and guide the tube into the trachea. This ensures proper placement of the tube for effective ventilation. Assessing the balloon symmetry (Choice A) and lung fields (Choice B) would come after the tube is successfully inserted. Inflating the balloon of the endotracheal tube (Choice C) should be the last step to secure the tube in place.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is orally intubated and on a mechanical ventilator. The nurse believes that the patient is experiencing excess anxiety. For this patient, what behavior best indicates anxiety?
- A. Restlessness
- B. Verbalization
- C. Increased respiratory rate
- D. Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Restlessness. Restlessness is a common behavioral indicator of anxiety in patients. In this scenario, a patient who is orally intubated and on a ventilator may not be able to verbally express anxiety, making restlessness a more prominent sign. Verbalization may not be possible due to intubation. While increased respiratory rate can be a symptom of anxiety, it is also a common physiological response in patients on mechanical ventilation. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 indicates severe impairment of consciousness, not specifically anxiety.
Ideally, by whom and when should an advance directive be developed?
- A. Family, if the patient is in critical condition.
- B. Patient as part of the hospital admission process.
- C. Patient before illness or impairment occurs.
- D. Patient’s healthcare surrogate.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C:
1. Advance directives should be made by the patient to reflect their wishes.
2. Developing it before illness ensures clarity and avoids confusion.
3. Patients may not be able to make informed decisions in critical conditions.
4. Family or surrogates may not accurately represent the patient's wishes.
Summary:
A - Family in critical condition may not know the patient's wishes.
B - Hospital admission process may be too late for clear decision-making.
D - Healthcare surrogate may not fully understand the patient's preferences.