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The nurse is assessing pain levels in a critically ill patient . The nurse recognizes that which patient action as indicatin g the greatest level of pain?
- A. Brow lowering
- B. Eyelid closing
- C. Grimacing
- D. Staring
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C (Grimacing)
Rationale:
1. Grimacing is a universal nonverbal sign of pain.
2. It involves facial muscles, indicating a high level of discomfort.
3. Brow lowering and eyelid closing are subtle signs, less indicative of severe pain.
4. Staring may signify concentration, not necessarily pain.
Summary:
Grimacing is the correct choice as it directly correlates with pain intensity, unlike the other options which are less specific or relevant indicators of severe pain.
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The nurse understands that a patient being cared for in a critical care unit experiences anacute stress response. What nursing action best demonstrates understanding of the physiological parts of the initial stress response?
- A. Adequate pain control
- B. Intravenous sedation
- C. Treatment for elevated blood pressure
- D. Ignoring an elevated glucose level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Treatment for elevated blood pressure. In the initial stress response, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Treating elevated blood pressure is crucial to prevent complications like heart attack or stroke. Adequate pain control (A) and intravenous sedation (B) may help manage symptoms but do not directly address the physiological response to stress. Ignoring an elevated glucose level (D) is not recommended as stress can impact blood sugar levels. Treatment for elevated blood pressure directly targets the physiological response to stress, making it the best nursing action in this scenario.
The nurse cares for a patient with lung cancer in a home hospice program. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Discuss cancer risk factors and appropriate lifestyle modifications.
- B. Encourage the patient to discuss past life events and their meaning.
- C. Teach the patient about the purpose of chemotherapy and radiation.
- D. Accomplish a thorough head-to-toe assessment several times a week.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a home hospice program, it is essential for the nurse to provide holistic care that includes addressing the patient's emotional and psychological needs. Encouraging the patient to discuss past life events and their meaning can help them process emotions, find closure, and improve their quality of life. This approach aligns with the principles of palliative care, which focus on enhancing comfort and well-being.
Choice A is incorrect because discussing cancer risk factors and lifestyle modifications may not be relevant or beneficial for a patient in a hospice program. Choice C is incorrect because chemotherapy and radiation are typically not part of hospice care, which focuses on comfort rather than curative treatments. Choice D is incorrect because a thorough head-to-toe assessment multiple times a week may not be necessary or appropriate for a patient in a hospice program.
When performing an initial pulmonary artery occlusion pr essure (PAOP), what are the best nursing actions? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Inflate the balloon for no more than 8 to 10 seconds w hile noting the waveform change.
- B. Inflate the balloon with air, recording the volume nece ssary to obtain a reading.
- C. Maintain the balloon in the inflated position for 8 hours following insertion.
- D. Zero reference and level the air-fluid interface of the tr ansducer at the level of the phlebostatic axis.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inflate the balloon for no more than 8 to 10 seconds while noting the waveform change. This is because inflating the balloon within this time frame allows for accurate measurement of PAOP without causing complications like pulmonary edema. Noting the waveform change helps in determining the accurate pressure reading.
Explanation of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Inflating the balloon with air and recording the volume necessary is not a recommended practice as it can lead to inaccurate readings and potential harm to the patient.
C: Maintaining the balloon inflated for 8 hours following insertion is unnecessary and could lead to complications such as vascular damage or thrombosis.
D: Zero referencing and leveling the transducer at the phlebostatic axis are important steps but not directly related to performing an initial PAOP measurement.
When caring for a patient with pulmonary hypertension, which parameter is most appropriate for the nurse to monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment?
- A. Central venous pressure (CVP)
- B. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
- C. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)
- D. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). PVR is the most appropriate parameter to monitor in a patient with pulmonary hypertension as it directly reflects the resistance in the pulmonary circulation. A decrease in PVR indicates a reduction in the constriction of blood vessels in the lungs, suggesting improvement in pulmonary hypertension. Monitoring CVP (A) is more relevant in assessing fluid status, SVR (B) is more indicative of systemic vascular tone, and PAWP (D) is useful in assessing left-sided heart function, but they are not as specific to evaluating the effectiveness of treatment for pulmonary hypertension.
A patient nearing death experiences increased secretions and noisy breathing. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Provide suctioning every hour.
- B. Administer anticholinergic medications as prescribed.
- C. Elevate the head of the bed and reposition frequently.
- D. Restrict oral intake to minimize secretions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer anticholinergic medications as prescribed. Anticholinergic medications can help dry up secretions and improve breathing in a patient nearing death. This intervention targets the underlying cause of increased secretions. Suctioning (choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the root issue. Elevating the head of the bed and repositioning (choice C) can help with comfort but do not directly address the secretions. Restricting oral intake (choice D) may lead to dehydration and discomfort without effectively managing the secretions. Administering anticholinergic medications is the priority as it directly targets the symptom of increased secretions, improving the patient's comfort and quality of life.