The nurse notes premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) while suctioning a patient’s endotracheal tube. Which action by the nurse is a priority?
- A. Decrease the suction pressure to 80 mm Hg.
- B. Document the dysrhythmia in the patient’s chart.
- C. Stop and ventilate the patient with 100% oxygen.
- D. Give antidysrhythmic medications per protocol.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Stop and ventilate the patient with 100% oxygen. This is the priority action because PVCs can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias and inadequate oxygenation. By stopping suctioning and providing 100% oxygen, the nurse ensures proper oxygenation and ventilation, which takes precedence over addressing the dysrhythmia itself. Decreasing suction pressure (choice A) may not address the underlying issue and could potentially harm the patient. Documenting the dysrhythmia (choice B) is important but not as urgent as ensuring adequate oxygenation. Giving antidysrhythmic medications (choice D) should be done under the direction of a healthcare provider and is not the first-line intervention in this situation.
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What should a designated healthcare surrogate base healthcare decisions on?
- A. Personal beliefs and values
- B. Recommendations of family members and friends
- C. Recommendations of the physician and healthcare team
- D. Wishes previously expressed by the patient
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the healthcare surrogate should base decisions on recommendations of the physician and healthcare team who have the expertise to provide medical advice. They are best positioned to understand the patient's condition and treatment options. Personal beliefs (A) may not align with medical best practices. Family and friends' recommendations (B) may not be informed by medical knowledge. Wishes previously expressed by the patient (D) are important but may need to be interpreted in the context of the current medical situation, which healthcare professionals can provide.
Which nursing intervention would need to be corrected on a care plan for a patient in order to be consistent with the principles of effective end-of-life ca re?
- A. Control of distressing symptoms such as dyspnea, naus ea, and pain through use of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions
- B. Limitation of visitation to reduce the emotional distresasb ierbx.cpoemr/iteesnt ced by family members
- C. Patient and family education on anticipated patient res ponses to withdrawal of therapy
- D. Provision of spiritual care resources as desired by the p atient and family
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
1. Limiting visitation to reduce emotional distress contradicts the principles of effective end-of-life care, which emphasize holistic support for the patient and family.
2. Effective end-of-life care encourages open communication and emotional support from loved ones.
3. Limiting visitation may hinder emotional closure and support for both the patient and family.
4. Options A, C, and D align with effective end-of-life care by focusing on symptom management, education, and spiritual support for the patient and family.
A hospice nurse who has become close to a terminally ill patient is present in the home when the patient dies and feels saddened and tearful as the family members begin to cry. Which action should the nurse take at this time?
- A. Contact a grief counselor as soon as possible.
- B. Cry along with the patient’s family members.
- C. Leave the home as soon as possible to allow the family to grieve privately.
- D. Consider whether working in hospice is desirable because patient losses are common.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cry along with the patient’s family members. This action demonstrates empathy and support for the family's grief, showing that the nurse acknowledges and shares their feelings. It can help the family feel understood and supported during a difficult time. By crying with the family, the nurse can validate their emotions and provide comfort without intruding on their personal space. This approach fosters a sense of connection and trust between the nurse and the family, enhancing the quality of care provided.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Contact a grief counselor as soon as possible - This choice may be premature and could come across as impersonal or distancing in the immediate aftermath of the patient’s death.
C: Leave the home as soon as possible - This choice would be insensitive and could make the family feel abandoned in their time of need.
D: Consider whether working in hospice is desirable because patient losses are common - This choice is inappropriate as it suggests the nurse should reconsider their career choice based on emotional reactions,
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving continuous norepinephrine (Levophed) IV infusion. Which patient assessment finding indicates that the infusion rate may need to be adjusted?
- A. Heart rate is 58 beats/minute.
- B. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is 56 mm Hg.
- C. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) is elevated.
- D. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is low.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a low Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) indicates inadequate perfusion, which may require adjusting the norepinephrine infusion rate to increase blood pressure. A: A heart rate of 58 beats/minute is within a normal range and may not necessarily indicate a need for adjustment. C: Elevated Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) may be an expected response to norepinephrine and does not necessarily indicate a need for adjustment. D: A low Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP) may indicate fluid volume deficit but does not directly relate to the need for adjusting norepinephrine infusion rate.
To prevent any unwanted resuscitation after life-sustaininga btirrbe.acotmm/teenstt s have been withdrawn, the nurse should ensure that what intervention has been im plemented?
- A. Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are written before dis continuation of the treatments.
- B. The family is not allowed to visit until the death occur s.
- C. DNR orders are written as soon as possible after the di scontinuation of the treatments.
- D. The change-of-shift report includes the information thaatb irtbh.ceo pma/tetiset nt is not to be resuscitated.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because writing DNR orders before discontinuation of life-sustaining treatments ensures clear communication and legal documentation of the patient's wishes. Choice B is incorrect as family support is essential in end-of-life care. Choice C is incorrect as DNR orders should be established before withdrawing treatment. Choice D is incorrect as the DNR order should be in place before shift change for immediate implementation if needed.
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