A client with end-stage lung disease is dependent on a mechanical ventilator to sustain life. While the client's spouse is at the bedside, the client pleads in handwritten notes to have the endotracheal tube removed. The spouse tearfully agrees with the request. Which is the priority nursing intervention?
Offer to contact the family's spiritual counselor to meet with the client and spouse.
Discuss comfort measures with the client and family that will be available during withdrawal.
Inform the healthcare provider of the client's desire to have life support withdrawn.
Explain the actions that the healthcare team will follow for the removal of life support.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Offering to contact the family's spiritual counselor can provide emotional and spiritual support, but it is not the immediate priority in a situation where the client has expressed a desire to have life support withdrawn.
Choice B reason: Discussing comfort measures is important for the client and family to understand what to expect during the withdrawal process. However, this step comes after the healthcare provider has been informed and a plan of care is being developed.
Choice C reason: Informing the healthcare provider is the priority nursing intervention. The nurse acts as an advocate for the client's wishes and ensures that the appropriate steps are taken to respect the client's autonomy and decisions regarding their care.
Choice D reason: Explaining the actions that the healthcare team will follow is an essential part of the process, but it is not the first step. The healthcare provider must first be informed so that the proper orders and arrangements can be made.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Before initiating tube feeding, it is crucial to ensure that the gastrointestinal system is functioning. The presence of bowel sounds indicates peristalsis, which is necessary for the digestion and absorption of the feeding.
Choice B reason: While measuring the client's total body weight is important for overall assessment and monitoring of nutritional status, it is not the most critical assessment before starting tube feeding.
Choice C reason: Evaluating the client's ability to swallow is not relevant in this scenario since the client will be receiving nutrition through a feeding tube due to malnutrition and dehydration.
Choice D reason: Observing for signs of fluid volume deficit is important, but the immediate concern before starting tube feeding is to confirm gastrointestinal activity through the presence of bowel sounds.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Giving water may be necessary, but it is not the first intervention if there is a concern about urinary output.
Choice B reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is important but should occur after initial assessments and interventions.
Choice C reason: Checking for a kink in the drainage tubing is a quick and simple intervention that may resolve the issue of low output.
Choice D reason: Reviewing the intake and output record is important for understanding the patient's fluid status but is not the first action to take in this situation.
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