A client who is terminally ill has an advance directive that stipulates no resuscitative measures are to be taken. The client's death is imminent and the family is in the client's room. The client is currently exhibiting Cheyne-Stokes respirations and has a blood pressure of 60/30 mm Hg. Which is the priority nursing action?

Allow privacy for the family and client to express their feelings to one another.

Apply an automatic blood pressure cuff and take readings every 15 minutes.

Teach the client's family how to use an oral suction device to clear the airway.

Elevate the head of the client's bed and apply oxygen using a face mask.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Allowing privacy for the family and client is a compassionate and appropriate action, especially as the client's death is imminent. This respects the client's wishes and provides a supportive environment for the family to process their emotions and say their goodbyes.
B.   Continuously measuring blood pressure in this scenario is less appropriate because the client is in the final stages of life and their focus should be on comfort rather than monitoring vital signs. Frequent blood pressure measurements may be distressing for the family and do not align with the goals of end- of-life care, which prioritize comfort and dignity.
C.   Teaching the family to use an oral suction device is not appropriate at this stage because the client is actively dying, and such interventions are not typically useful or necessary in end-of-life care. The focus should be on providing comfort rather than invasive procedures or teaching new skills to family members.
D.   Applying oxygen and elevating the head of the bed can be appropriate interventions for clients experiencing respiratory distress; however, this may conflict with the advance directive if the directive explicitly states no resuscitative measures

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Morphine is a potent opioid used for pain relief, but it can have side effects, including respiratory depression. While it is important to be aware of and discuss potential side effects, focusing on
respiratory problems might increase the client’s anxiety about using the medication.
B. A PCA pump allows patients to self-administer pain medication within prescribed limits, providing more control over pain management. However, PCA pumps are typically used in hospital settings and may not be practical or appropriate for home hospice care.
C. Providing a schedule for around-the-clock analgesic use is a practical and effective approach to pain management. It ensures that the client receives consistent pain relief and helps prevent the pain from becoming unmanageable.
D. Teaching the family to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesics is important for ongoing pain management. This includes recognizing signs of pain relief and potential side effects. However, this action might be more relevant once pain management is underway and requires follow-up, rather than addressing the immediate concern of managing pain effectively from the start.

A. Document the assessment data. B. Increase the liter flow of oxygen. C. Encourage the client to take deep breaths. D. Remove the mask to deflate the bag.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. It's normal for the reservoir bag not to deflate completely during inspiration. A respiratory rate of 14 breaths/minute is within the normal range (12-20 breaths/minute). If the client is comfortable and their oxygen saturation is within the normal range, there is no need for intervention. Documenting the assessment data for future reference is sufficient.
B. Increasing the liter flow of oxygen may not be necessary if the client's oxygen saturation is within the normal range. It could also lead to oxygen toxicity if the flow is set too high.
C. Encouraging deep breaths may not be necessary if the client's respiratory rate is within the normal range.
D. Removing the mask to deflate the bag is not necessary and could interfere with the delivery of oxygen.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

In-home hospice care is arranged for a client with stage 4 lung cancer. While the palliative care nurse is arranging for discharge, the client verbalizes concerns about pain. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse assesses an adult client with a partial rebreather mask and notes that the oxygen reservoir bag does not deflate completely during inspiration and the client's respiratory rate is 14 breaths/minute. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse assesses a client who has a nasal cannula delivering oxygen at 2 liters/minute. To assess for skin damage related to the cannula, what areas should the nurse observe? Select all that apply.

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