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Which interventions can the nurse use to facilitate communication with patients and families who are in the process of making decisions regarding end- of-life care options? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Communication of uniform messages from all healthca re team members
- B. An integrated plan of care that is developed collaborat ively by the patient, family, and healthcare team
- C. Facilitation of continuity of care through accurate shift -to-shift and transfer reports
- D. Limitation of time for families to express feelings in order to control family grief
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Communication of uniform messages from all healthcare team members. This intervention is crucial to ensure consistency in information provided to patients and families, reducing confusion and enhancing trust. When all team members convey the same messages, it helps in clarifying options and facilitating decision-making.
Choices B and C are incorrect as they focus on care planning and continuity, which are important but not specifically related to facilitating communication in end-of-life care decisions. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests limiting time for families to express feelings, which can hinder effective communication and support during such a sensitive time.
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The nurse is caring for a patient whose ventilator settings i nclude 15 cm H O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The nurse understands that although beneficial, PEEP may result in what possible problem?
- A. Fluid overload secondary to decreased venous return.
- B. High cardiac index secondary to more efficient ventric ular function.
- C. Hypoxemia secondary to prolonged positive pressure a t expiration.
- D. Low cardiac output secondary to increased intrathoracic pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D - Low cardiac output secondary to increased intrathoracic pressure):
1. PEEP increases intrathoracic pressure, which can impede venous return to the heart.
2. Impaired venous return reduces preload, leading to decreased cardiac output.
3. Decreased cardiac output can result in inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation.
4. Therefore, PEEP may cause low cardiac output due to increased intrathoracic pressure.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A. Fluid overload is not directly related to PEEP but more to fluid administration or kidney function.
B. High cardiac index is unlikely as PEEP can decrease cardiac output.
C. Hypoxemia is not a direct result of PEEP but may occur due to other factors like inadequate ventilation or oxygenation settings.
The patient’s potassium level is 7.0 mEq/L. Besides dialysis, which of the following actually reduces plasma potassium levels and total body potassium content safely in a patient with renal dysfunction?
- A. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
- B. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate with sorbitol
- C. Regular insulin
- D. Calcium gluconate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Regular insulin
Rationale:
1. Insulin promotes cellular uptake of potassium.
2. When insulin is administered, it moves potassium from extracellular to intracellular space.
3. This decreases plasma potassium levels safely.
4. Other options do not directly lower potassium levels in the same manner.
Summary of Other Choices:
A: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate - exchanges sodium for potassium in the intestines, not reducing total body potassium.
B: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate with sorbitol - similar to A, does not reduce total body potassium.
D: Calcium gluconate - does not directly lower potassium levels, used for treating hyperkalemia-induced cardiac toxicity.
Complications common to patients receiving hemodialysis for acute kidney injury include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Hypotension
- B. Dysrhythmias
- C. Muscle cramps
- D. Hemolysis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, hypotension. During hemodialysis for acute kidney injury, fluid removal can lead to hypotension due to rapid changes in blood volume. This can cause dizziness, weakness, and even loss of consciousness. Dysrhythmias (choice B) are less common but can occur due to electrolyte imbalances. Muscle cramps (choice C) may occur during or after dialysis due to electrolyte imbalances or fluid shifts, but they are not as common as hypotension. Hemolysis (choice D) is not a common complication of hemodialysis for acute kidney injury, as it is more commonly associated with issues related to the dialysis machine or blood tubing.
The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is in card iogenic shock and has failed to respond to medical treatment. The primary care provider conducts a conference to explain that they have exhausted treatment options and suggest that the patient be made a “do not resuscitate” status. This scenario illustrates what medical concept?
- A. Brain death
- B. Futility
- C. Incompetence
- D. Life-prolonging procedures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Futility. In this scenario, the primary care provider suggests making the patient a "do not resuscitate" status because further medical treatment is deemed futile. Futility refers to situations where medical interventions are unlikely to achieve the desired outcome. This decision is made when the benefits of continuing treatment do not outweigh the burdens on the patient.
Summary:
A: Brain death does not apply here as the patient is not brain dead.
C: Incompetence refers to the patient's ability to make decisions, not the medical concept being illustrated.
D: Life-prolonging procedures are not being discussed; the focus is on the futility of further treatment.
The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient in the critica l care unit. The physician has ordered patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for the patient. The nurse understands what facts about the PCA? (Select all that apply.)
- A. It is a safe and effective method for administering anal gesia.
- B. It has potentially fewer side effects than other routes of analgesic administration.
- C. It is an ideal method to provide critically ill patients so me control over their treatment.
- D. It does not work well without family assistance
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why Answer A is correct:
1. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) allows patients to self-administer pain medication within preset limits, promoting pain management.
2. PCA is considered safe and effective as it provides better pain control, reduces the risk of overdose, and allows for individualized dosing.
3. Healthcare providers can monitor and adjust the PCA settings as needed to ensure optimal pain relief.
4. Studies have shown that PCA is a preferred method for postoperative pain management due to its efficacy and safety profile.
5. Overall, PCA is a reliable and beneficial approach to analgesia administration in postoperative patients.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
B: While PCA may have fewer side effects compared to some routes, this is not a defining characteristic of PCA.
C: While patients do have some control over their treatment with PCA, the primary focus is on pain management rather than giving control to critically ill patients.
D: PCA can be used effectively without family