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Warning signs that can assist the critical care nurse in reco gnizing that an ethical dilemma may exist include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Family members are confused about what is happening to the patient.
- B. Family members are in conflict as to the best treatmen t options. They disagree with each other and cannot come to consensus.
- C. The family asks that the patient not be told of treatmenatb iprbl.aconms./t est
- D. The patient’s condition has changed dramatically for the worse and is not responding to conventional treatment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because when family members are confused about the patient's condition or treatment, it can indicate a lack of communication or understanding, leading to a potential ethical dilemma. This confusion may result in conflicting views on what is best for the patient, potentially leading to disagreements and ethical conflicts.
Choice B is incorrect because although family conflict can lead to ethical dilemmas, it is not a direct warning sign that an ethical dilemma exists.
Choice C is incorrect because the family asking not to inform the patient about treatment is more related to communication preferences rather than a clear indication of an ethical dilemma.
Choice D is incorrect because a deteriorating patient condition, while concerning, does not directly signal an ethical dilemma unless there are specific ethical considerations involved in the treatment decisions.
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The nurse is caring for a patient who is orally intubated and on a mechanical ventilator. The nurse believes that the patient is experiencing excess anxiety. For this patient, what behavior best indicates anxiety?
- A. Restlessness
- B. Verbalization
- C. Increased respiratory rate
- D. Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Restlessness. Restlessness is a common behavioral indicator of anxiety in patients. In this scenario, a patient who is orally intubated and on a ventilator may not be able to verbally express anxiety, making restlessness a more prominent sign. Verbalization may not be possible due to intubation. While increased respiratory rate can be a symptom of anxiety, it is also a common physiological response in patients on mechanical ventilation. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 indicates severe impairment of consciousness, not specifically anxiety.
A patient at high risk for pulmonary embolism is receiving enoxaparin. The nurse should provide the patient with what explanation?
- A. “I’m going to contact the pharmacist to see if you can take this medication by mouth.”
- B. “This injection is being given to prevent blood clots fr om forming.”
- C. “This medication will dissolve any blood clots you migabhirtb .gcoemt./”te st
- D. “I will contact your primary care provide to discuss wh y you are getting this medication.” t
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: “This injection is being given to prevent blood clots from forming.” Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots. It is administered through injection, not orally (A). Enoxaparin does not dissolve existing blood clots (C). Contacting the primary care provider to discuss the medication is not necessary in this scenario (D). The correct choice emphasizes the purpose of enoxaparin in preventing new blood clots.
As part of the admission process, the nurse asks several questions about family relationships. The nurse bases these actions on which rationale?
- A. Assessing family relationships is an initial step in including the family in patient care.
- B. These questions are part of the admission assessment tool required by this CCU.
- C. The nurse has a natural curiosity and wishes to know how the family members relate for her own knowledge.
- D. There is an ongoing research study to identify variant family patterns related to disease incidence.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct:
1. Involving the family in patient care is crucial for holistic care.
2. Assessing family relationships helps identify support systems and potential conflicts.
3. Understanding family dynamics aids in creating a comprehensive care plan.
4. Family involvement can enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Summary of incorrect choices:
B. Irrelevant, as the focus is on patient-centered care, not just fulfilling an assessment tool.
C. Personal curiosity is not a valid reason for assessing family relationships in healthcare.
D. Conducting research on family patterns does not directly impact the immediate care of the patient.
Following an earthquake, patients are triaged by emergency medical personnel and are transported to the emergency department (ED). Which patient will the nurse need to assess first?
- A. A patient with a red tag.
- B. A patient with a blue tag.
- C. A patient with a black tag.
- D. A patient with a yellow tag.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A patient with a red tag. In triage, red tags indicate patients with life-threatening injuries who require immediate attention. The nurse must assess this patient first to provide necessary interventions. Patients with blue tags are considered urgent but stable, black tags are deceased or beyond help, and yellow tags are for delayed treatment. Assessing the red-tagged patient first ensures prompt care for those in critical condition.
Which hemodynamic parameter is most appropriate for the nurse to monitor to determine the effectiveness of medications given to a patient to reduce left ventricular afterload?
- A. Mean arterial pressure (MAP)
- B. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
- C. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)
- D. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Systemic vascular resistance (SVR). SVR reflects the resistance the heart must overcome to pump blood into the systemic circulation. By monitoring SVR, the nurse can assess the effectiveness of medications aimed at reducing left ventricular afterload, as these medications work by dilating blood vessels and reducing resistance. An effective reduction in afterload would lead to a decrease in SVR.
A: Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is an indicator of perfusion pressure but may not directly reflect changes in afterload.
C: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is specific to the pulmonary circulation and not directly related to left ventricular afterload.
D: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is a measure of left ventricular preload and filling pressures, not afterload.