A 38-year-old client who is a Jehovah's Witness is involved in a major motor vehicle accident. The client was brought to the emergency department and was found to have lost too much blood, thus requiring a blood transfusion. The client is able to respond to questions appropriately. Which action should the nurse take in this situation?
Only fresh frozen plasma should be transfused to the client.
An immediate blood transfusion should be started due to the client's condition.
The client should be asked to decide about the blood transfusion.
The client's family should be notified immediately of the situation.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a component of blood used to replace clotting factors and is typically indicated for specific medical conditions like bleeding disorders or massive transfusions. In this case, the client requires red blood cells due to significant blood loss, so FFP alone is not the appropriate choice.
Choice B rationale:
Initiating an immediate blood transfusion without the client's consent is not ethically appropriate, especially considering the client's religious beliefs as a Jehovah's Witness. Respecting the client's autonomy and religious convictions is important.
Choice C rationale:
Asking the client to decide about the blood transfusion is the correct course of action. Since the client is able to respond to questions appropriately, they should be informed about their condition, the need for a blood transfusion, and the potential risks and benefits. This respects the client's autonomy while ensuring they have the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Choice D rationale:
Notifying the client's family immediately is not the best initial action. While involving the family is important, the client's own decision about the blood transfusion should take precedence, especially when they are conscious and able to make decisions for themselves.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Re-measuring the respiratory rate is unnecessary. The reported respiratory rate falls within the normal range of 12-20 breaths per minute for adults.
Choice B rationale:
Re-measuring the temperature is the correct action. Tympanic temperature measurements can be influenced by factors such as earwax buildup, ear infection, or improper placement of the thermometer. Repeating the temperature measurement ensures accuracy.
Choice C rationale:
Re-measuring the pulse rate is unnecessary. The reported pulse rate of 92 beats per minute falls within the normal range of 60-100 beats per minute for adults.
Choice D rationale:
Re-measuring the blood pressure is unnecessary. The reported blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg, while at the lower end of the normal range (typically around 90/60 mm Hg), is not excessively low and doesn't indicate an immediate need for concern.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Visual observation for nonverbal signs of pain can be useful, especially in patients who are unable to communicate verbally. However, this method is not as accurate or reliable as obtaining the client's self-report of pain severity, which directly allows the patient to express their experience.
Choice B rationale:
Vital sign measurement, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, can provide indirect information about a patient's pain level. However, vital signs can be influenced by various factors, including anxiety or other physiological responses. They may not always accurately reflect the intensity of pain and are not as specific as the client's self-report.
Choice C rationale:
The client's self-report of pain severity is the most reliable and accurate method for determining the intensity of pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and the client's self-report is crucial for effective pain management. Pain scales, such as numeric rating scales or visual analog scales, allow clients to describe their pain intensity in a standardized way.
Choice D rationale:
The nature and invasiveness of the surgical procedure are relevant factors to consider in understanding a patient's potential pain experience. However, this information alone is not sufficient for determining the current intensity of the client's pain. Pain levels can vary among individuals undergoing the same procedure due to differences in pain tolerance and perception.
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