A young adult patient with metastatic cancer, who is very close to death, appears restless. The patient keeps repeating, 'I am not ready to die.' Which action is best for the nurse to take?
- A. Remind the patient that no one feels ready for death.
- B. Sit at the bedside and ask if there is anything the patient needs.
- C. Insist that family members remain at the bedside with the patient.
- D. Tell the patient that everything possible is being done to delay death.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because sitting at the bedside and asking if there is anything the patient needs demonstrates empathy and support. It allows the patient to express their concerns and fears, providing emotional comfort. It shows the nurse is actively listening and willing to help address any immediate needs or concerns.
Choice A is incorrect because it dismisses the patient's feelings and may come across as invalidating. Choice C is incorrect because insisting that family members remain may not be what the patient needs at that moment and could cause additional stress. Choice D is incorrect because it does not address the patient's emotional distress and may not be true in the context of terminal illness.
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The patient’s serum creatinine level is 0.7 mg/dL. The expected BUN level should be
- A. 1 to 2 mg/dL.
- B. 7 to 14 mg/dL.
- C. 10 to 20 mg/dL.
- D. 20 to 30 mg/dL.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (10 to 20 mg/dL). The normal BUN-to-creatinine ratio is approximately 10:1. With a serum creatinine level of 0.7 mg/dL, the expected BUN level should be around 7 to 14 mg/dL. Therefore, choice C (10 to 20 mg/dL) falls within this expected range. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical BUN-to-creatinine ratio and would indicate abnormal kidney function.
Noise in the critical care unit can have negative effects on the patient. Which of the following interventions assists in reducing noise levels in the criticala cbiarbr.ec osme/ttetisnt g? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Asking the family to bring in the patient’s i-Pod or other device with favorite music.
- B. Inviting the volunteer harpist to play on the unit on a re gular basis.
- C. Remodeling the unit to have two-patient rooms to facil itate nursing care.
- D. Remodeling the unit to install acoustical ceiling tiles.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Bringing in the patient's i-Pod with favorite music can provide personalized, soothing sounds, reducing stress and anxiety for the patient.
Step 2: Familiar music can create a calming environment, distracting the patient from external noise.
Step 3: Listening to music may improve patient comfort and overall experience in the critical care unit.
Summary: Option A is correct as it directly addresses noise reduction by providing a personalized, calming environment for the patient. Options B, C, and D do not specifically target noise reduction but focus on other aspects of care or facility improvement.
The nurse caring for a patient diagnosed with acute respiratory failure identifies “Risk for Ineffective Airway Clearance” as a nursing diagnosis. Wh at nursing intervention is relevant to this diagnosis?
- A. Elevate head of bed to 30 degrees.
- B. Obtain order for venous thromboembolism prophylaxi s.
- C. Provide adequate sedation.
- D. Reposition patient every 2 hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Elevate head of bed to 30 degrees. Elevating the head of the bed helps promote optimal airway clearance by facilitating drainage of secretions and reducing the risk of aspiration. This position also improves lung expansion and oxygenation. Choice B is important for preventing venous thromboembolism but not directly related to airway clearance. Choice C may not be appropriate as excessive sedation can impair airway clearance. Choice D is important for preventing pressure ulcers but does not directly address airway clearance.
A patient is being mechanically ventilated in the synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation mode at a rate of 4 breaths/min. Spontaneous reabsiprbi.rcaotmio/tensst are 12 breaths/min. After receiving a dose of morphine sulfate, respirations decrease to 4 breaths/min. Which acid-base disturbance will likely occur?
- A. Metabolic acidosis
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Respiratory acidosis
- D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (Respiratory alkalosis). Morphine sulfate can cause respiratory depression, leading to decreased respiratory rate. In this case, the patient's breaths decrease from 12 to 4 breaths/min, indicating hypoventilation. With decreased ventilation, there is less CO2 elimination, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. The other choices can be ruled out: A (Metabolic acidosis) and B (Metabolic alkalosis) are less likely caused by morphine sulfate, and C (Respiratory acidosis) is incorrect because the scenario describes hypoventilation, not hyperventilation.
Which of the following strategies will assist in creating a h ealthy work environment for the critical care nurse? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Celebrating improved outcomes from a nurse-driven protocol with a pizza party
- B. Implementing a medication safety program designed b y pharmacists
- C. Modifying the staffing pattern to ensure a 1:1 nurse/patient ratio
- D. Offering quarterly joint nurse-physician workshops to discuss unit issues
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because implementing a medication safety program designed by pharmacists promotes a safe work environment for critical care nurses by reducing medication errors. Pharmacists are experts in medications and can provide valuable insights to improve safety.
A: Celebrating with a pizza party may boost morale but does not directly address work environment factors.
C: Modifying staffing ratios may improve patient care but doesn't necessarily address the overall work environment.
D: Joint workshops foster collaboration but may not directly impact the work environment's safety and health.