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 ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because instructing the client and family to reconsider end of life choices is disrespectful and insensitive. The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and preferences and support their decisions.
Choice B reason: This is correct because teaching the client how to use guided imagery is a helpful intervention for coping with feelings related to death and dying. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that involves visualizing positive images and scenarios that can reduce stress, anxiety, and pain.
Choice C reason: This is correct because recording the client's desire to live is an important intervention for coping with feelings related to death and dying. The nurse should acknowledge and validate the client's emotions and help them express their hopes and fears.
Choice D reason: This is correct because encouraging family to visit frequently is a beneficial intervention for coping with feelings related to death and dying. The nurse should facilitate family involvement and communication and help the client maintain meaningful relationships.
Choice E reason: This is correct because encouraging family to bring the client old photographs is a useful intervention for coping with feelings related to death and dying. The nurse should assist the client in reminiscing and reviewing their life story and achievements.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Monitoring indwelling urinary catheter and measure strict intake and output is not an action that the nurse should immediately take, as this is not relevant or urgent for a client who may have had a stroke. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B: Keeping the bed in the lowest position and initiating seizure and fall precautions is not an action that the nurse should immediately take, as this is a preventive measure that does not address the acute problem of impaired cerebral perfusion. This is another distractor choice.
Choice C: Starting two large bore IV catheters and reviewing inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy is an action that the nurse should immediately take, as this can prepare the client for potential administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA., which can dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain if given within 4.5 hours of stroke onset. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice D: Maintaining elevated positioning of the dependent joints on affected side is not an action that the nurse should immediately take, as this can worsen edema and impair circulation in the affected limbs. The recommended position is to keep them at or below heart level. This is another distractor choice.
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