A client has been placed on Contact Precautions. The client’s family is very afraid to visit. What is the best action for the nurse to take?
Demonstrate to the family how to avoid spreading the disease.
Reassure the family that they will not get the infection.
Encourage the family that it is important that they visit the client.
Inform them that these precautions are mandated by law.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Addresses the family's fear directly: By demonstrating how to avoid spreading the disease, the nurse directly addresses the family's primary concern, which is the fear of contracting the infection. This proactive approach provides education and reassurance, empowering the family to make informed decisions about visitation.
Promotes understanding and adherence to precautions: Clear instruction on how to don and doff personal protective equipment, hand hygiene techniques, and other infection control measures increases the likelihood that the family will follow the precautions correctly, reducing the risk of transmission.
Empowers the family to make informed choices: By providing knowledge and skills, the nurse enables the family to feel more confident in their ability to visit safely. This sense of control can help to alleviate anxiety and promote positive coping mechanisms.
Facilitates open communication and trust: The demonstration creates an opportunity for the nurse to answer questions, address concerns, and build rapport with the family. This open dialogue can foster trust and collaboration, which are essential for effective care.
Choice B rationale:
May provide false reassurance: While it's important to offer support and hope, it's not always possible to guarantee that family members will not contract the infection. Absolute reassurances could potentially lead to complacency or disregard for precautions, increasing the risk of transmission.
Fails to address the need for education: Simply stating that the family won't get sick doesn't provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves and the client. This lack of understanding could result in accidental transmission.
Choice C rationale:
May pressure the family: Encouraging visitation without addressing underlying fears and concerns could be perceived as pressure, leading to resentment, anxiety, or even avoidance. It's important to respect the family's decision-making process and provide support regardless of their choice.
Doesn't prioritize safety: While emotional support is important, the primary focus should be on ensuring the safety of both the client and the family. Encouraging visitation without proper education and precautions could compromise safety.
Choice D rationale:
Focuses on compliance rather than understanding: Informing the family about legal mandates may come across as authoritarian and could potentially increase anxiety or resistance. It's more effective to focus on the rationale behind the precautions and emphasize their role in protecting both the client and the family.
Misses an opportunity to build trust: Simply stating the rules without engaging in dialogue may hinder open communication and trust-building. Taking a collaborative approach and addressing concerns can lead to better understanding and adherence to precautions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Uncompensated Respiratory Acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35) and a high pCO2 (greater than 45 mmHg). In this case, the pH is slightly elevated (7.46), making this option less likely.
While the pCO2 is elevated (46 mmHg), the body has begun to compensate, as evidenced by the elevated HCO3 (29 mEq/L). This partial compensation does not align with an uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
Compensated Metabolic Acidosis would present with a normal pH (7.35-7.45) due to full compensation by the respiratory system. In this case, the pH is slightly elevated (7.46), which is not consistent with full compensation.
Additionally, the HCO3 is elevated (29 mEq/L), which is characteristic of metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
Partially Compensated Metabolic Alkalosis is the most likely interpretation based on the ABG results. The pH is elevated (7.46), indicating alkalosis.
The HCO3 is also elevated (29 mEq/L), which is the primary cause of metabolic alkalosis.
The pCO2 is elevated (46 mmHg), which is a compensatory mechanism to try to normalize the pH. However, the compensation is not complete, as the pH is still slightly elevated.
This partial compensation is consistent with partially compensated metabolic alkalosis.
Choice D rationale:
Partially Compensated Respiratory Acidosis would present with a low pH (less than 7.35) and an elevated pCO2 (greater than 45 mmHg).
The HCO3 would also be elevated, but to a lesser degree than in metabolic alkalosis, as it's a secondary compensatory mechanism.
In this case, the pH is slightly elevated (7.46), making respiratory acidosis less likely.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the body's natural production of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that is essential for life, and it plays a role in many important bodily functions, including:
Regulating blood sugar levels Maintaining blood pressure Reducing inflammation Responding to stress
When a person takes prednisone for a long period of time, their body begins to rely on the medication to provide cortisol. If the medication is stopped suddenly, the body cannot produce enough cortisol on its own, which can lead to a life-threatening condition called adrenal insufficiency.
Adrenal insufficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, including: Extreme fatigue
Weakness Dizziness Nausea Vomiting Abdominal pain Confusion
Loss of consciousness
To prevent adrenal insufficiency, it is important to taper off prednisone slowly over a period of time. This allows the body to gradually adjust to producing cortisol on its own.
Here are some additional details about why prednisone should never be discontinued abruptly: The risk of adrenal insufficiency is highest when prednisone has been taken for more than 3 weeks. The longer a person has been taking prednisone, the slower the taper should be.
It is important to follow the tapering instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
If a person experiences any symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, they should seek medical attention immediately.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today