A dietitian with a prescription for no not resuscitate (DNR) begins to manifest signs of impending death. After notifying the family of the patient's status, what priority action should the nurse implement?
The patient's need for pain medication should be determined.
The nurse manager should be updated on the patient's status.
The patient's status should be conveyed to the chaplain.
The impending signs of death should be documented.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A is correct because the nurse's priority is to provide comfort and dignity to the dying patient. Pain management is an essential aspect of end-of-life care.
Choice B is incorrect because updating the nurse manager is not a priority action. The nurse manager can be informed later, after the patient's needs are met.
Choice C is incorrect because conveying the patient's status to the chaplain is not a priority action. The chaplain can be contacted later, after the patient's needs are met. The chaplain may also need the consent of the patient or the family before providing spiritual support.
Choice D is incorrect because documenting the impending signs of death is not a priority action. Documentation can be done later, after the patient's needs are met. Documentation is important, but not as important as providing comfort and dignity to the dying patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice B reason: Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle is not a sufficient intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce snoring and improve breathing by preventing the tongue and soft palate from falling back and obstructing the airway. However, it may not be enough to prevent apnea episodes in clients with obstructive sleep apnea, especially if they have other risk factors such as obesity, enlarged tonsils, or nasal congestion. The nurse should also use other interventions such as a positive airway pressure device, weight loss, or surgery.
Choice C reason: Removing dentures or other oral appliances is not a relevant intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Dentures or other oral appliances are devices that replace missing teeth or improve dental alignment. They may help improve speech, chewing, and appearance, but they do not have a direct impact on obstructive sleep apnea. The nurse should instruct the client to remove dentures or other oral appliances before going to bed to prevent discomfort, infection, or damage.
Choice D reason: Lifting and locking the side rails in place is not a necessary intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Side rails are bars that attach to the sides of the bed frame to prevent falls or injuries. They may provide safety and security for some clients, but they may also pose risks such as entrapment, strangulation, or agitation. The nurse should assess the need for side rails on an individual basis and consider alternative measures such as bed alarms, low beds, or floor mats.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Assigning the UAP to provide care for another client and assume full care of the client is not an action that the nurse should take, as this is unnecessary and inefficient. The UAP can safely assist the client with influenza if they follow proper infection control measures. This is an incorrect choice.
Choice B: Reviewing the need for the UAP to wear a face mask while in close contact with the client is an action that the nurse should take, as this can protect the UAP and others from droplet transmission of influenza. This is a standard precaution that should be reinforced by the nurse. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice C: Instructing the UAP to apply a fitted respirator mask before entering the client's room is not an action that the nurse should take, as this is not indicated for a client with influenza. A respirator mask is required for airborne transmission, not droplet transmission. This is another incorrect choice.
Choice D: Directing the UAP to notify the nurse of any changes in the client's respiratory status is not an action that the nurse should take, as this is a general instruction that does not address the specific issue of infection control. This is another incorrect choice.
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