A client's wife has just learned that her husband is terminally ill. She is sitting in the corner of the client's room crying, and says to the nurse, "I feel as if I'm already so alone." Which action should the nurse take first?

Explain that alternative treatment options may be helpful.

Encourage the wife to share her feelings.

Offer reassurance that she is not alone.

Remind her that her husband may still live a long time.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because explaining that alternative treatment options may be helpful can be insensitive and unrealistic, as it may raise false hopes or imply that the husband's condition is not serious.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because encouraging the wife to share her feelings can help her cope with her grief and express her emotions in a supportive environment. The nurse should use active listening and empathic responses.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because offering reassurance that she is not alone can be dismissive and invalidating, as it may minimize her feelings or imply that she should not feel lonely.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because reminding her that her husband may still live a long time can be dishonest and inappropriate, as it may contradict the medical prognosis or imply that she should not prepare for his death.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because palpating the suprapubic region for distention can be inaccurate and unreliable, as it can be affected by factors such as obesity, abdominal muscle tone, and bowel gas.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because scanning the client's bladder after voiding can measure the post-void residual urine volume, which indicates the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination. A high post-void residual urine volume can indicate urinary retention.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because reviewing the chart for number of voids over last 24 hours can provide information about the frequency of urination, but not the amount or completeness of urination.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because evaluating the client for urinary incontinence can assess the involuntary loss of urine, but not the ability to empty the bladder completely.

A. Blood pressure. B. Temperature. C. Respiratory rate. D. Pulse rate.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A: Blood pressure is not the first vital sign to obtain because it is not as sensitive to changes in the level of consciousness as respiratory rate. Blood pressure may be normal or elevated in some cases of decreased consciousness, such as stroke or head injury.

Choice B: Temperature is not the first vital sign to obtain because it is not as relevant to the level of consciousness as respiratory rate. Temperature may be normal or slightly elevated in some cases of decreased consciousness, such as infection or dehydration.

Choice C: Respiratory rate is the first vital sign to obtain because it reflects the adequacy of oxygenation and ventilation, which are essential for brain function. Respiratory rate may be increased, decreased, or irregular in cases of decreased consciousness, depending on the cause and severity.

Choice D: Pulse rate is not the first vital sign to obtain because it is not as indicative of the level of consciousness as respiratory rate. Pulse rate may be normal, fast, or slow in cases of decreased consciousness, depending on the cause and compensatory mechanisms.

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A client's wife has just learned that her husband is terminally ill. She is sitting in the corner of the client's room crying, and says to the nurse, "I feel as if I'm already so alone." Which action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is on complete bedrest frequently calls the nurse for the bedpan to urinate. Which action should the nurse take to evaluate the client for urinary retention?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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