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A patient receiving palliative care for advanced cancer reports fatigue and loss of appetite. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Encourage the patient to eat small, frequent meals.
- B. Administer prescribed appetite stimulants.
- C. Provide rest periods to reduce fatigue.
- D. Discuss the benefits of parenteral nutrition.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide rest periods to reduce fatigue. Prioritizing rest periods can help alleviate fatigue, a common symptom in patients with advanced cancer. Encouraging small, frequent meals (choice A) may not be effective if the patient has no appetite. Administering appetite stimulants (choice B) may not address the root cause of fatigue. Discussing parenteral nutrition (choice D) is not the priority as it does not directly address the fatigue and loss of appetite reported by the patient. Rest is essential for symptom management and overall well-being in palliative care.
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The nurse is assessing a client and identifies a bruit over the thyroid. This finding is consistent with which interpretation?
- A. Hypothyroidism.
- B. Thyroid cyst.
- C. Thyroid cancer.
- D. Hyperthyroidism.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The presence of a bruit over the thyroid indicates increased blood flow, characteristic of hyperthyroidism. This excess blood flow is due to the hypermetabolic state in hyperthyroidism, leading to turbulent blood flow and the audible bruit. A bruit is not typically associated with hypothyroidism, thyroid cysts, or thyroid cancer, as these conditions do not cause increased blood flow. Therefore, the correct interpretation is hyperthyroidism.
Which nursing actions for the care of a dying patient can the nurse delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) (select all that apply)?
- A. Provide postmortem care to the patient.
- B. Encourage the family members to talk with and reassure the patient.
- C. Determine how frequently physical assessments are needed for the patient.
- D. Teach family members about commonly occurring signs of approaching death.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because providing postmortem care to a dying patient is a task that can be safely delegated to an LPN/LVN. This includes tasks such as preparing the body, cleaning, and positioning after death. LPNs/LVNs are trained and competent in performing these duties under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they involve critical thinking, assessment, and teaching skills that are typically within the scope of practice of a registered nurse. Encouraging family members to talk with the patient, determining assessment frequency, and educating about signs of approaching death require a higher level of nursing judgment and expertise, which is beyond the scope of an LPN/LVN's role.
The nurse recommends that the family of a critically ill patient seek help from the Critical Care Family Assistance Program. What benefit for the family does the nurse anticipate?
- A. Reduction of health care cost
- B. More physical comfort
- C. Multidisciplinary support
- D. Health promotion information
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Multidisciplinary support. The Critical Care Family Assistance Program offers a range of professionals such as social workers, counselors, and financial advisors to provide holistic support to the family. This helps address emotional, financial, and practical needs during a challenging time. Option A is incorrect because the program does not directly reduce healthcare costs. Option B is incorrect as the focus is not solely on physical comfort but on comprehensive support. Option D is incorrect as the primary aim is not health promotion but rather addressing the family's immediate concerns and needs.
The emergency department (ED) triage nurse is assessing four victims involved in a motor vehicle collision. Which patient has the highest priority for treatment?
- A. A patient with no pedal pulses.
- B. A patient with an open femur fracture.
- C. A patient with bleeding facial lacerations.
- D. A patient with paradoxical chest movements.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: A patient with paradoxical chest movements. This indicates flail chest, a life-threatening condition where a segment of the chest wall moves independently from the rest.
1. Flail chest can lead to respiratory compromise and potential respiratory failure.
2. Immediate intervention is needed to stabilize the chest wall and support breathing.
3. Without prompt treatment, the patient can develop hypoxia and potentially progress to cardiac arrest.
Summary:
- Choice A: No pedal pulses may indicate vascular compromise but does not pose an immediate threat to life.
- Choice B: Open femur fracture requires urgent treatment but does not have the same immediate life-threatening implications as flail chest.
- Choice C: Bleeding facial lacerations can be managed after addressing more critical injuries like flail chest.
A patient who is receiving positive pressure ventilation is scheduled for a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Which finding by the nurse is most important to discuss with the health care provider before starting the SBT?
- A. New ST segment elevation is noted on the cardiac monitor.
- B. Enteral feedings are being given through an orogastric tube.
- C. Scattered rhonchi are heard when auscultating breath sounds.
- D. HYDROmorphone (Dilaudid) is being used to treat postoperative pain.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: New ST segment elevation is noted on the cardiac monitor. This finding is concerning because it may indicate myocardial ischemia or infarction, which can be exacerbated by the physiological stress of weaning from mechanical ventilation. It is crucial to address any cardiac issues before initiating a spontaneous breathing trial to prevent potential cardiac complications during the weaning process.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
B: Enteral feedings being given through an orogastric tube are not contraindicated for starting a spontaneous breathing trial.
C: Scattered rhonchi heard when auscultating breath sounds may indicate retained secretions but are not a contraindication for a spontaneous breathing trial.
D: The use of HYDROmorphone to treat postoperative pain is not a contraindication for a spontaneous breathing trial unless it is causing respiratory depression, which would need to be addressed separately.