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The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is in card iogenic shock and has failed to respond to medical treatment. The primary care provider conducts a conference to explain that they have exhausted treatment options and suggest that the patient be made a “do not resuscitate” status. This scenario illustrates what medical concept?
- A. Brain death
- B. Futility
- C. Incompetence
- D. Life-prolonging procedures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Futility. In this scenario, the primary care provider suggests making the patient a "do not resuscitate" status because further medical treatment is deemed futile. Futility refers to situations where medical interventions are unlikely to achieve the desired outcome. This decision is made when the benefits of continuing treatment do not outweigh the burdens on the patient.
Summary:
A: Brain death does not apply here as the patient is not brain dead.
C: Incompetence refers to the patient's ability to make decisions, not the medical concept being illustrated.
D: Life-prolonging procedures are not being discussed; the focus is on the futility of further treatment.
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Which assessment would cue the nurse to the potential of aa bc iru bt .ce o mre /ts ep sti ratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a patient admitted with respiratory distress?
- A. Increased oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry
- B. Increased peak inspiratory pressure on the ventilator
- C. Normal chest radiograph with enlarged cardiac structures
- D. PaO /FiO ratio > 300 2 2
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Increased peak inspiratory pressure on the ventilator would cue the nurse to the potential of ARDS in a patient with respiratory distress. ARDS is characterized by severe respiratory failure with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. An increase in peak inspiratory pressure on the ventilator indicates that the lungs are becoming stiffer, which is a common finding in ARDS due to increased inflammation and fluid accumulation in the alveoli. This finding alerts the nurse to the possibility of ARDS and the need for further assessment and intervention.
Summary of other choices:
A: Increased oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry is a nonspecific finding and may not specifically indicate ARDS.
C: Normal chest radiograph with enlarged cardiac structures is more indicative of heart failure rather than ARDS.
D: PaO2/FiO2 ratio > 300 is a criterion used to diagnose ARDS, but a value higher than 300 actually indicates mild ARDS, so it would not necessarily cue the nurse
The family members are excited about being transferring t heir loved one from the critical care unit to the intermediate care unit. However, they are also fearful of the change in environment and nursing staff. To reduce relocation stress, the nurse ca n implement what intervention? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Arranging for the nurses on the intermediate care unit to give the family a tour of the new unit.
- B. Contacting the primary care provider to see if the patient can stay one additional day in the critical care unit so that the family can adjus t better to the idea of a transfer.
- C. Ensuring that the patient will be located near the nurse ’s station in the new unit.
- D. Inviting the nurse who will be assuming the patient’s care to meet with the patient and family in the critical care unit prior to transfer.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (Arranging for the nurses on the intermediate care unit to give the family a tour of the new unit) because it helps familiarize the family with the new environment, alleviating their fears. The tour allows them to see where their loved one will be cared for, meet the nursing staff, and ask any questions they may have. This intervention promotes a smooth transition, reduces anxiety, and builds trust.
Choice B is incorrect because delaying the transfer doesn't address the fear of change and can prolong stress. Choice C is incorrect as proximity to the nurse's station may not necessarily reduce relocation stress for the family. Choice D is incorrect because meeting the new nurse in the current unit may not provide the same level of comfort and preparation compared to physically visiting the new unit.
After attending an educational program, the nurse understaanbidrbs.c othma/tte swt hich the following situations would require an ethics consultation?
- A. Conflict has occurred between the primary care provid er and family regarding treatment decisions. A family conference is held, and the family and primary care provider agree to a treatment plan that includes aggres sive treatment for 24 hours followed by re-evaluation.
- B. Family members disagree as to a patient’s course of tre atment. The patient has designated a healthcare proxy and has a written advancaebi rdb.icroemc/tteivste .
- C. A postoperative coronary artery bypass surgery patient was successfully resuscitated after sustaining a cardiopulmonary arrest i n the operating room The patient who is now not responding to treatment has a written advance directive and has a life partner at the bedside.
- D. Patient with multiple trauma and is not responding to treatment. No family members are known, and care is considered futile.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: The correct answer is D because the situation involves a patient with multiple trauma who is not responding to treatment and has no known family members. This indicates a complex ethical dilemma where the medical team may be unsure about the appropriate course of action.
Step 2: In this scenario, an ethics consultation is necessary to help guide decision-making regarding the care of the patient. The lack of available family members complicates decision-making, and the consideration of care as futile adds another layer of complexity.
Step 3: An ethics consultation can provide a structured framework for evaluating the situation, considering ethical principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. It can help the healthcare team navigate the ethical considerations and make a well-informed decision in the best interest of the patient.
Summary:
Choice A: While conflicts between the primary care provider and family may warrant discussions, the agreement on a treatment plan does not necessarily require an ethics consultation.
Choice B: Disagreement
The nurse is discussing the role of hospice care with a patient and family. Which statement by the nurse accurately describes hospice care?
- A. Hospice care aims to cure serious illnesses through specialized treatments.
- B. Hospice care provides support and comfort for patients at the end of life.
- C. Hospice care is only for patients with cancer-related illnesses.
- D. Hospice care focuses primarily on extending life expectancy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because hospice care indeed focuses on providing support and comfort for patients at the end of life. This is achieved through pain management, emotional support, and enhancing quality of life. Choice A is incorrect because hospice care does not aim to cure serious illnesses but rather to provide comfort and care. Choice C is incorrect as hospice care is not limited to patients with cancer but is available to individuals with various terminal illnesses. Choice D is incorrect as hospice care does not focus on extending life expectancy but rather on improving the quality of life during the end-of-life period.
The patient’s potassium level is 7.0 mEq/L. Besides dialysis, which of the following actually reduces plasma potassium levels and total body potassium content safely in a patient with renal dysfunction?
- A. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
- B. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate with sorbitol
- C. Regular insulin
- D. Calcium gluconate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Regular insulin
Rationale:
1. Insulin promotes cellular uptake of potassium.
2. When insulin is administered, it moves potassium from extracellular to intracellular space.
3. This decreases plasma potassium levels safely.
4. Other options do not directly lower potassium levels in the same manner.
Summary of Other Choices:
A: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate - exchanges sodium for potassium in the intestines, not reducing total body potassium.
B: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate with sorbitol - similar to A, does not reduce total body potassium.
D: Calcium gluconate - does not directly lower potassium levels, used for treating hyperkalemia-induced cardiac toxicity.