Nokea
What is the priority intervention for a patient admitted to your unit diagnosed with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
- A. Develop a method of communication.
- B. Provide six small meals high in protein and assist with feeding.
- C. Do not involve the patient in decisions about his healthcare because he is not in the mental state to respond.
- D. Provide six normal meals high in protein and assist with feeding.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Communication becomes critical as ALS progresses and affects motor functions.
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During the rehabilitation of a patient with limited mobility, how can decubitus ulcers be prevented?
- A. Turning the patient every 4 hours
- B. Using a heat lamp on reddened areas
- C. Applying vitamin C to bony prominences
- D. Keeping the skin clean, dry, and well lubricated
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Maintaining skin integrity through cleanliness and moisture management prevents pressure ulcers.
The healthcare provider is caring for a postoperative client who has a chest tube connected to suction and a water seal drainage system. Which of the following indicates to the healthcare provider that the chest tube is functioning properly?
- A. Fluctuation of the fluid level within the water seal chamber
- B. Absence of fluid in the drainage tubing
- C. Continuous bubbling within the water seal chamber
- D. Equal amounts of fluid drainage in each collection chamber
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fluctuation of the fluid level within the water seal chamber. This indicates proper chest tube function as it shows that the system is maintaining the desired pressure and allowing for adequate drainage without obstruction. When the patient breathes in and out, the fluid level fluctuates due to changes in intrathoracic pressure.
Explanation of other choices:
B: Absence of fluid in the drainage tubing - This would indicate a problem with drainage, possibly due to a blockage in the tubing.
C: Continuous bubbling within the water seal chamber - This would suggest an air leak in the system, which is not ideal as it can lead to lung collapse.
D: Equal amounts of fluid drainage in each collection chamber - While equal drainage is good, it does not specifically indicate proper chest tube function like the fluctuation of the fluid level does.
When developing a teaching plan for a patient, what should the nurse recognize?
- A. Frustration will enhance the patient’s desire to learn
- B. Only formal teaching plans have been found to be effective
- C. The patient’s previous educational experiences do not influence his learning
- D. The patient must accept responsibility for compliance with his therapeutic regimen
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Patient responsibility is essential for adherence to therapeutic regimens.
During an assessment, a client with a long history of smoking and suspected laryngeal cancer will most likely report which early manifestation?
- A. Dysphagia
- B. Hoarseness
- C. Dyspnea
- D. Weight loss
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hoarseness. Hoarseness is a common early manifestation of laryngeal cancer due to vocal cord involvement. Smoking is a major risk factor for laryngeal cancer. Dysphagia (choice A) is more commonly associated with esophageal cancer. Dyspnea (choice C) is usually a late manifestation of laryngeal cancer when it causes airway obstruction. Weight loss (choice D) may occur later in the disease progression but is not typically an early sign. Thus, hoarseness is the most likely early manifestation due to its direct connection to the vocal cords and smoking history.
How should the nurse respond to Mrs. West’s statement, “Oh well, I have already lived my life anyway.”
- A. “Oh, you have nothing to worry about Mrs. West. We’re going to take good care of you.”
- B. “You feel that your life is ending, Mrs. West? Can you tell me more about your feelings?”
- C. “Your doctor is one of the best and our surgical staff is excellent.”
- D. “The x-rays indicate that your tumor is accessible and the surgery will cure your problem.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the patient to express feelings fosters trust and understanding.