A client on the cardiac telemetry unit suddenly starts showing signs of ventricular fibrillation. The advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) team defibrillates the client, restoring a normal sinus rhythm. Later in the day, a family member Questions why the code was called, telling the nurse that the client has a living will.
How should the nurse respond?
Schedule a client and family conference to review the plan of care.
Explain that living wills cannot be followed by emergency personnel.
Check the client’s arm for a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) bracelet.
Seek clarification of the type of advance directive the client has.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice D rationale
Seeking clarification of the type of advance directive the client has is the most appropriate response. A living will typically outlines a person’s wishes for end-of-life care, but it may not specifically address emergency situations like cardiac arrest.
Choice A rationale
Scheduling a client and family conference to review the plan of care may be helpful, but it is not the immediate priority. The nurse first needs to understand the client’s wishes as outlined in their advance directive.
Choice B rationale
Explaining that living wills cannot be followed by emergency personnel is not entirely accurate. While it’s true that emergency personnel initiating resuscitative measures may not have immediate access to a person’s living will, in a hospital setting, a person’s known wishes should be respected as much as possible.
Choice C rationale
Checking the client’s arm for a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) bracelet is not the most appropriate response. While some people may choose to wear such a bracelet, not all do. Furthermore, a DNR order is just one type of advance directive, and it’s important to clarify what specific directives the client has in place.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. They can include: Pain in the joint during or after use, or after periods of inactivity, Tenderness in the joint when you apply light pressure to or near it, Stiffness in the joint, that may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity, Loss of flexibility in the joint, Grating sensation or sound when you use the joint. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of osteoarthritis.
Choice B rationale
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: Tender, warm, swollen joints, Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity, Fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. The client’s symptoms align with those of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Choice C rationale
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling and other symptoms in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a compressed nerve in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. The anatomy of your wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive hand motions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Choice D rationale
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It’s characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe. An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the sheet on it may seem intolerable. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of Gout.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A sudden change in behavior, especially confusion and agitation, in an elderly patient could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Pain during urination is a common symptom of UTIs.
Therefore, it is crucial to inquire if the patient is experiencing any pain during urination.
Choice B rationale
While a high-protein diet can be beneficial for some patients, there is no direct link between increased protein intake and the alleviation of confusion or agitation in elderly patients.
Therefore, this option is not a necessary immediate action for the nurse to take.
Choice C rationale
Reviewing the patient’s current food and medication allergies is important. Certain medications or foods might cause adverse reactions, including confusion and agitation. Therefore, it is crucial to review the patient’s allergies to rule out any potential allergens as the cause of the sudden change in behavior.
Choice D rationale
A recent fall could potentially lead to a head injury, which might cause confusion and agitation. Therefore, it is important to determine if the patient has recently experienced a fall.
Choice E rationale
Providing instructions on how to take the patient’s temperature is important. Fever could be a sign of an infection or other medical condition that might cause confusion and agitation.
Therefore, knowing how to accurately measure the patient’s temperature can help monitor the patient’s condition.
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