The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. The family is asking what to expect when the end draws near. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. I will have the doctor talk to you about that.
- B. The hospice nurse is the best person to answer your questions. I can put in a consult for you.
- C. Don't worry about that right now. You don't know if there is another treatment option that will work.
- D. I can tell you what to look for when the time comes. In the meantime, what are your wishes and goals for care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This response addresses the family's question while opening a discussion about care goals, which is supportive and appropriate.
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A client who is to be discharged to home with a temporary colostomy states to the nurse, 'I know I've changed this thing once, but I just don't know how I'll do it by myself when I'm home alone. Can't I stay here until the surgeon puts it back?' Which therapeutic response should the nurse make to best deal with the client's concerns?
- A. This is only temporary, but with your level of anxiety you need to hire a nurse companion until your surgery.'
- B. So you're saying that, although you've practiced changing your colostomy bag once, you don't feel comfortable on your own yet?'
- C. Well, your insurance will not pay for a longer stay just to practice changing your colostomy, so you'll have to fight it out with them.'
- D. Going home to care for yourself still feels pretty overwhelming? I will schedule you for home visits until you're feeling more comfortable.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client is expressing feelings of fear and helplessness. Option 4 assists with meeting this client's needs. Option 1 provides information that the client already knows and then problem-solves by using a client-centered action, which would probably overwhelm the client. Option 2 is restating, but this response could cause the client to feel more helpless because the client's fears are reflected back to the client. Option 3 provides what is probably accurate information, but the words 'just to practice' can be interpreted by the client as belittling.
A client diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been told that hemodialysis will be required. The client becomes angry and states, 'I'll never be the same now.' Based on this information, which should the nurse identify as the client's primary concern?
- A. Anxiety about the hemodialysis
- B. Inability to think clearly because of the treatments needed
- C. Potential for noncompliance because of concerns about the disease
- D. Altered body image because of the physical changes that may occur
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A client with a renal disorder such as CKD may become angry in response to the permanence of the condition. Because of the physical changes and the change in lifestyle that may be required to manage a severe renal condition, the client may experience an altered body image. Anxiety is not appropriate because the client is exhibiting anger at this time. The client is not cognitively impaired, eliminating option 2, and is not stating a refusal to undergo therapy, so eliminate option 3.
A client with a history of pulmonary emboli is scheduled for the insertion of an inferior vena cava filter. The nurse checks on the client 1 hour after the primary health care provider has explained the procedure and obtained informed consent from the client. The client is lying in bed, wringing his hands, and states to the nurse, 'I'm not sure about this. What if it doesn't work and I'm just as bad off as before?' Which concern for the client should the nurse identify at this time?
- A. Anxiety and depression
- B. Inability to handle the treatment regimen
- C. Lack of knowledge about the surgical procedure
- D. Fear about the potential risks and outcomes of surgery
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This client has indicated the surgical procedure and its outcome as the object of fear. Anxiety is present when the client cannot identify the source of the uneasy feelings. Presently there are not indications that the client is depressed. A client's inability to handle a treatment regimen would be when the client is not making needed adaptations to deal with daily life. Lack of knowledge would be when there is a lack of appropriate information.
The nurse provides care for a client receiving haloperidol for 3 days. The client's temperature is 103.5°F (39.7°C), blood pressure 200/100 mm Hg, and pulse 122 beats/min. The client is pale and sweating excessively. Which action does the nurse take first?
- A. Monitor vital signs every 15 minutes.
- B. Administer bromocriptine as prescribed.
- C. Administer the haloperidol as prescribed.
- D. Assess the client's level of consciousness.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The symptoms suggest neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a life-threatening reaction to haloperidol. Administering bromocriptine, if prescribed, is the priority to reverse NMS. Monitoring, continuing haloperidol, or assessing consciousness delays critical intervention.
While in the dining area, an adult client at the retirement center yells, 'This turkey is dry and cold! I can't stand the food here!' Which is the best response by the nurse to the client's behavior?
- A. Now look what you've done! You're ruining this meal for the whole community. Aren't you ashamed of yourself?
- B. I think you had better return to your apartment now. I'll make arrangements for a new meal to be served to you there.
- C. Let me get you another serving that is more to your liking. Would you like to see the chef and select your own serving?
- D. One of the things that was agreed upon was that anyone who did not use appropriate behavior would be asked to leave the dining room. Please leave now.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking the client to accompany the nurse to the kitchen respects the client's need for control, removes the angry client from the dining room, and may offer the nurse an opportunity to assess what is happening with the client. Agency procedure should be followed regarding those who are allowed access to the facility kitchen. Option 1 is angry, aggressive, and nontherapeutic. Option 2 could provoke a regressive struggle between the nurse and the client and cause more anger in the client. In option 4, the nurse is authoritative, and it would not be appropriate to ask the client to leave. This action may set up an aggressive struggle between the nurse and the client.