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The nurse returns from the cardiac catheterization laboratory with a patient following insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter and assists in transferring th e patient from the stretcher to the bed. Prior to obtaining a cardiac output, which action is m ost important for the nurse to complete?
- A. Document a pulmonary artery catheter occlusion press ure.
- B. Zero reference the transducer system at the phlebostatic axis.
- C. Inflate the pulmonary artery catheter balloon with 1 m L air.
- D. Inject 10 mL of 0.9% normal saline into the proximal port.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Zero reference the transducer system at the phlebostatic axis. This is the most important action before obtaining a cardiac output because zero referencing ensures accurate pressure readings. The phlebostatic axis is the level of the atria when the patient is supine, and zeroing at this point minimizes errors in pressure measurements.
Choice A is incorrect because documenting a pulmonary artery catheter occlusion pressure is not the priority at this stage. Choice C is incorrect as inflating the balloon with air should be done after zero referencing. Choice D is incorrect as injecting normal saline into the port is not necessary before zero referencing.
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A patients family is exhibiting increasingly impaired coping as the patients condition deteriorates. The nurse asks the family to state the biggest concern from their perspective.What is the most important rationale for this question?
- A. The question indicates active listening on the part of the nurse.
- B. The question is used as a way to validate the familys knowledge.
- C. The question clarifies the nurses understanding of current family needs.
- D. The question promotes problem definition, which helps define the degree of family understanding.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because asking the family to state their biggest concern clarifies the nurse's understanding of the current family needs. This step allows the nurse to assess the specific areas where the family may require support or assistance, leading to more tailored interventions. By identifying the primary concern, the nurse can better address the family's emotional, informational, or practical needs.
Choice A is incorrect because the question is not solely about active listening; it serves a deeper purpose of assessment. Choice B is incorrect as the question goes beyond validating knowledge to understanding emotional and practical needs. Choice D is incorrect because the question focuses on identifying concerns rather than defining the degree of understanding.
An elderly patient is admitted to the ICU with stage IV lung cancer, diabetes mellitus, and congestive heart failure. The health care team assembled to care for her is large and diverse, including an oncologist, a pulmonologist, an endocrinologist, a cardiologist, and others. The patient is not expected to survive more than a few weeks, and her husband is overwhelmed with stress and grief. Which nurse competency or competencies are most needed in this situation? Select all that apply.
- A. Clinical judgment
- B. Caring practices
- C. Collaboration
- D. Response to diversity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Caring practices. In this situation, the patient and her husband are dealing with complex medical conditions and emotional distress. Caring practices involve providing compassionate, empathetic, and supportive care to the patient and her family members during this difficult time. The nurse needs to show sensitivity, understanding, and emotional support to help them cope with their situation. Clinical judgment (A) is important but not the primary focus in this scenario. Collaboration (C) is essential in the interdisciplinary team, but caring practices take precedence in addressing the emotional needs. Response to diversity (D) is also important, but in this case, the focus is more on providing compassionate care rather than addressing cultural or social diversity issues.
Many critically ill patients experience anxiety. The nurse can reduce anxiety with which approach?
- A. Asking family members to limit their visitation to 2-hour periods in morning, afternoon, and evening. You know that this is the best approach to ensure uninterrupted rest time for the patient. Tell the patient, “Your family is in the waiting room. They will be permitted to come in at 2:0 0 PM after you take a short nap.”
- B. Explaining the unit routine. “Assessments are done every 4 hours; patients are bathed on the night shift around 5:00 AM; family memabbierbr.sc oamr/ete spt ermitted to visit you after the physicians make their morning rounds. They can spend the day. Lights are out every night at 10:00 PM.”
- C. Stating, “It’s time to turn you. I am going to ask another nurse to come in and help me. We will turn you to your left side. During the turn , I’m going to inspect the skin on your back and rub some lotion on your back. T his should help to make you feel better.”
- D. Suctioning the endotracheal tube immediately when thaeb iprba.ctoiemn/tte sst tarts to cough. Sharing, “Your tube needs suctioned; you should feel better after I’m done.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it addresses the patient's anxiety by providing clear communication and involving the patient in the care process. By explaining the turning procedure, inspecting the skin, and providing comfort through lotion application, the nurse establishes trust and promotes a sense of control for the patient. This approach helps alleviate anxiety by keeping the patient informed and engaged in their care.
Choice A is incorrect because limiting family visitation may not directly address the patient's anxiety. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on routine information rather than directly addressing the patient's anxiety. Choice D is incorrect because suctioning the endotracheal tube may cause discomfort and does not address the underlying anxiety issue.
The nurse is preparing to provide postmortem care for a patient who has just died. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Close the patient’s eyes and place a pillow under the head.
- B. Wash the patient’s body and apply a clean gown.
- C. Remove all medical equipment and tubes.
- D. Confirm that a death certificate has been signed.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale:
A: Closing the patient's eyes and placing a pillow under the head is the first step in postmortem care to maintain dignity and prevent airway occlusion.
B: Washing the body and changing clothes can be done later and is not the priority.
C: Removing medical equipment can wait until after ensuring the patient's comfort.
D: Confirming the death certificate is important but not the immediate first step in postmortem care.
What is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolus?
- A. An amniotic fluid embolus.
- B. A deep vein thrombosis from lower extremities.
- C. A fat embolus from a long bone fracture.
- D. Vegetation that dislodges from an infected central venous catheter.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A deep vein thrombosis from lower extremities. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolus as a blood clot can dislodge from the veins, travel to the lungs, and block blood flow. An amniotic fluid embolus (Choice A) occurs during childbirth and is rare as a cause of pulmonary embolism. A fat embolus (Choice C) typically occurs after a long bone fracture and is more likely to cause issues in the lungs. Vegetation from an infected central venous catheter (Choice D) can cause septic pulmonary embolism, but it is not as common as DVT.