The son of a dying patient tells the nurse, 'Mother doesn’t respond anymore when I visit. I don’t think she knows that I am here.' Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. You may need to cut back your visits, for now, to avoid overtiring your mother.
- B. Withdrawal may sometimes be a normal response when preparing to leave life.
- C. It will be important for you to stimulate your mother as she gets closer to dying.
- D. Many patients don’t know what is going on around them at the end of life.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because withdrawal is a common psychological response in the dying process. The nurse should explain to the son that his mother's lack of response may be her way of preparing to leave life. This response validates the son's concerns while providing reassurance.
Choice A is incorrect because cutting back visits may not address the underlying issue of the mother's withdrawal. Choice C is incorrect because stimulating the mother may not be beneficial or appropriate in this situation. Choice D is incorrect because not all patients experience a lack of awareness at the end of life, and assuming so may not be helpful in this context.
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The nurse is caring for a critically ill patient who can speak. The nurse notices that the patient is demonstrating behaviors indicative of anxiety but is silent. What nursing strategy would give the nurse the most information about the patients feelings?
- A. Explain procedures to the patient and family.
- B. Ask the patient to share his or her internal dialogue.
- C. Encourage the patient to nap before visiting hours.
- D. Ensure that the patient has adequate pain control.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because asking the patient to share his or her internal dialogue can provide direct insight into the patient's thoughts and feelings, allowing the nurse to address specific anxieties. This approach promotes open communication and understanding. Choice A focuses on providing information but may not directly address the patient's feelings. Choice C is unrelated to addressing the patient's anxiety. Choice D addresses pain control, which is important but not directly related to exploring the patient's emotions. Therefore, option B is the most effective strategy for gaining insight into the patient's feelings in this scenario.
The patient’s partner, experiencing anticipatory grieving, tells the nurse, “I don’t see any point in continuing to visit at the bedside, since it’s like I’m not even here.” What is the nurse’s best response to the partner’s statement?
- A. “You’re right, there is no awareness of anything going on now.”
- B. “Unresponsiveness doesn’t mean the sense of hearing is gone and there is a benefit from you being present.”
- C. “I’ll call you if the patient begins responding again.”
- D. “Why don’t you check to see if any other family memb er would like to visit?”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it acknowledges the partner's feelings while providing information that may help them cope. By stating that unresponsiveness doesn't mean the patient can't hear, the nurse highlights the importance of the partner's presence for emotional support. It encourages the partner to continue visiting, emphasizing their role in providing comfort to the patient.
Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the partner's feelings and lacks empathy. Choice C is incorrect as it implies the nurse will only involve the partner if the patient responds, neglecting the partner's emotional needs. Choice D is incorrect as it deflects responsibility from addressing the partner's concerns and suggests involving other family members without addressing the partner's feelings directly.
Which nursing actions are most important for a patient witahb irab .croigmh/tte srta dial arterial line? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Checking the circulation to the right hand every 2 hour s
- B. Maintaining a pressurized flush solution to the arterial line setup
- C. Monitoring the waveform on the monitor for dampenin g
- D. Restraining all four extremities with soft limb restraint s
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Checking circulation to the right hand is crucial for assessing perfusion and detecting potential complications.
Step 2: Arterial line placement can compromise blood flow, leading to ischemia if circulation is impaired.
Step 3: Monitoring circulation every 2 hours allows for early detection of issues and prompt intervention.
Step 4: This action ensures patient safety and prevents complications.
Summary:
- Choice B is incorrect as pressurized flush solution can increase the risk of complications.
- Choice C is incorrect as monitoring the waveform is important but not the most critical action.
- Choice D is incorrect as limb restraints can impede circulation and are unnecessary in this scenario.
A normal glomerular filtration rate is
- A. less than 80 mL/min.
- B. 80 to 125 mL/min.
- C. 125 to 180 mL/min.
- D. more than 189 mL/min.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (80 to 125 mL/min) because this range reflects the normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in adults. GFR measures the rate at which blood is filtered by the kidneys, typically around 125 mL/min. A GFR below 60 mL/min indicates kidney dysfunction, making option A incorrect. Option C (125 to 180 mL/min) is above the normal range. Option D (more than 189 mL/min) is too high and could indicate hyperfiltration, common in conditions like diabetes. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate within the normal GFR range.
When providing palliative care, the nurse must keep in mind that the family may include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Unmarried life partners of same sex
- B. Unmarried life partners of opposite sex
- C. Roommates
- D. Close friends
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Unmarried life partners of same sex. When providing palliative care, it's crucial to recognize and respect diverse family structures. Unmarried life partners of the same sex may form a significant familial bond, requiring support and involvement in care decisions. This choice aligns with the principles of inclusivity and non-discrimination in palliative care.
Incorrect choices:
B: Unmarried life partners of the opposite sex - This choice is incorrect as it limits the definition of family to only opposite-sex partners, excluding same-sex couples.
C: Roommates - While roommates may provide support, they do not necessarily have the same level of emotional and decision-making involvement as family members or life partners.
D: Close friends - While close friends can be important sources of support, they do not necessarily have the same legal or emotional ties as a life partner.