A hospice client is being cared for by the nurse at home. The client begins to experience changes in respirations, coughing and becoming increasingly restless. Based on these clinical manifestations, the nurse would implement which of the following interventions? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY) ( Medical orders are active for each intervention that would require a medical order.)
Call for transportation to the hospital
Initiate low-flow oxygen per nasal cannula
Provide relief from pain and from other distressing symptoms
Place the bed in semi-Fowler's position
Administer anti-anxiety medications as needed
Correct Answer : C,D
C. Providing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms is a fundamental aspect of hospice care. The nurse should assess the client's pain level and other symptoms such as dyspnea, coughing, and restlessness, and intervene accordingly. This may involve administering analgesics, antitussives, or other medications as appropriate to alleviate discomfort and promote comfort and quality of life.
D. Placing the bed in semi-Fowler's position (with the head of the bed elevated) can help improve respiratory mechanics, ease breathing, and reduce respiratory distress in clients experiencing dyspnea. This position allows for better lung expansion and can facilitate the drainage of respiratory secretions, thereby promoting comfort and alleviating symptoms. This intervention does not typically require a medical order and can be implemented by the nurse based on clinical assessment.
A. Calling for transportation to the hospital may not be necessary or appropriate in this situation, especially considering that the client is under hospice care and experiencing changes in respiratory status and restlessness, which could be indicative of end-of-life processes. Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and symptom management in the home setting, and hospitalization may not align with the client's goals of care at this stage.
B. Initiating low-flow oxygen per nasal cannula may be appropriate to provide comfort and relieve hypoxia if the client is experiencing respiratory distress. However, this intervention would typically require a medical order, as oxygen therapy should be prescribed based on assessment findings and clinical indications.
E. Administering anti-anxiety medications may be considered if the client is experiencing significant anxiety or agitation that is distressing and impacting their comfort. However, the decision to administer anti-anxiety medications should be based on thorough assessment and consideration of the client's overall condition, goals of care, and potential risks and benefits. This intervention would typically require a medical order.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. This is a critical initial step before administering enteral feedings. Aspirating stomach contents helps confirm the placement of the nasogastric tube in the stomach rather than the respiratory tract. Checking the pH of the aspirate can further confirm gastric placement, as gastric fluid typically has an acidic pH (usually less than 5). This step ensures that the feeding will be delivered to the correct location, minimizing the risk of aspiration.
A. While it's important for the formula to be at an appropriate temperature for administration to prevent discomfort or complications such as cramping, this is not typically the first action to take. It can be done concurrently with other preparatory steps.
B. Proper labeling of the feeding container is essential for patient safety and adherence to institutional policies. However, this is not the first action to be completed. It's usually done after preparing the feeding and confirming the tube placement.
D. Assessing residual volume involves checking for any residual contents in the stomach from previous feedings. This step helps determine how much of the previous feeding remains in the stomach and whether it's safe to administer the next feeding. However, it typically follows confirming tube placement, as it's essential to know the tube is in the correct position before assessing residual volume.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is crucial because informed consent is not just about signing a document; it's about ensuring that the client fully understands the procedure, including the risks, benefits, and alternatives. The physician can then re-evaluate the client's comprehension and provide further clarification if necessary. It is the responsibility of the healthcare team to ensure that the client is making an informed decision.
B. Explaining the procedure in simple terms may be part of the nurse's role, but it is essential that the physician is aware of any gaps in the client's understanding to address them appropriately.
C. Cancelling the surgery is not the immediate best action without first attempting to resolve the misunderstanding.
D. Witnessing the client's signature may be part of the nurse's role, but it is essential that the physician is aware of any gaps in the client's understanding to address them appropriately.
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