Nokea
When a client is dead on arrival (DOA) to the emergency department, the family states that they do not want an autopsy performed. Which statement should the nurse make in response to the family?
- A. Autopsies are mandatory for clients who are DOA.'
- B. Federal law requires autopsies for clients who are DOA.'
- C. The medical examiner makes the decision about autopsies.'
- D. I will make sure the medical examiner is aware of your request.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should notify the medical examiner or the coroner when a family wishes to avoid having an autopsy on a deceased family member. Normally the medical examiner will honor the family request unless there is a state law requiring the autopsy. Depending on the state, it is not mandatory for every client who is DOA to have an autopsy. However, many states require an autopsy in specific circumstances, including sudden death, a suspicious death, and death within 24 hours of admission to the hospital. Autopsy is not a requirement under federal law.
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The nurse is bathing a client when the client begins to cry. Which action by the nurse is therapeutic at this time?
- A. Continue bathing the client and say nothing.
- B. Stop the bath, cover the client, and sit with the client.
- C. Stop the bath, cover the client, and allow the client private time.
- D. Call the primary health care provider to report the signs of depression.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If a client begins to cry, the nurse should stay with the client and let the client know that it is all right to cry. The nurse should ask the client what the client is thinking or feeling at the time. By continuing the bath or by leaving the client, the nurse appears to be ignoring the client's feelings. Crying alone is not necessarily an indication of depression, and calling the primary health care provider is a premature action.
A client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease is having difficulty adjusting to the disorder. The nurse provides education to the family that focuses on addressing the client's activities of daily living. Which statement indicates that the teaching has been effective?
- A. We should plan for only a few activities during the day.'
- B. We should assist with activities of daily living as much as possible.'
- C. We should cluster activities at the end of the day, to help conserve energy.'
- D. We should encourage and praise efforts to exercise and perform activities of daily living.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client with Parkinson's disease has a tendency to become withdrawn and depressed, which can be limited by encouraging the client to be an active participant in his or her own care. The family should plan activities intermittently throughout the day to inhibit daytime sleeping and boredom. The family should also give the client encouragement and praise for his or her perseverance in these efforts and help only when necessary.
A client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus requires the immediate amputation of a leg. The client is very upset and states, 'This is the doctor's fault! I did everything that I was told to do!' When considering the grieving process, how should the nurse respond to the client's statement?
- A. Notify the agency's risk management department.
- B. Help the client consider alternatives to treatment.
- C. Allow the client to use anger as a coping mechanism.
- D. Ask the client to list all previous health care providers.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Anger is a stage in the grieving process and an expected response to impending loss. Usually a client directs the anger toward himself or herself, God or another spiritual being, or the caregivers; thus far the client's behavior demonstrates effective coping. Notifying the risk management department is premature, especially because the client has said nothing about legal action. Analyzing alternative treatment options and previous health care providers is likely to interfere with effective coping, and it can delay lifesaving treatment.
A client diagnosed with incurable cancer has a life expectancy of a few weeks. Which response indicates that the client's partner is reacting with an expected coping response?
- A. Refusing to visit the client
- B. Expresses anger with his God
- C. Not allowing the death to occur at home
- D. Sending the children to live with relatives
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anger is a normal stage of the grieving process and is an expected coping response when facing the imminent loss of a loved one. Expressing anger toward a spiritual entity, such as God, is a common way for individuals to process their grief. Refusing to visit the client indicates avoidance or denial, which may not be constructive. Not allowing the death to occur at home or sending children to live with relatives may reflect practical decisions but do not directly indicate an expected emotional coping response related to grief.
An older couple was emotionally despondent when their home was severely damaged by flooding. When planning for the couple's initial needs, what intervention should the community health nurse implement?
- A. Contacting their families
- B. Attending to their emotional needs
- C. Arranging for the repair of their home
- D. Attending to their basic physiological needs
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The question asks about the first thing that the nurse needs to consider when planning for the rescue and relocation of these older residents. The initial concerns of community health are always attending to people's basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing. Contacting family, addressing emotional needs, and arranging for home repairs are needs that may be addressed as needed after physiological needs are met.