A hospice nurse is caring for a client who is approaching death and has fecal incontinence. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Request a prescription for lactulose from the provider.
Place an occlusive dressing over the client's buttocks every 8 hr.
Insert a lubricated rectal tube gently.
Keep disposable undergarments clean and dry.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Request a prescription for lactulose from the provider: Lactulose is a laxative commonly used to treat constipation, but it is not appropriate for managing fecal incontinence in a hospice client approaching death. It focuses on promoting bowel movements rather than managing incontinence.
B. Place an occlusive dressing over the client's buttocks every 8 hr: Occlusive dressings are not typically used for managing fecal incontinence. They may trap moisture and exacerbate skin breakdown, especially in a hospice client who may be immobile or bedridden.
C. Insert a lubricated rectal tube gently: Inserting a rectal tube is invasive and may cause discomfort or injury, especially in a client who is approaching death. It is not recommended for managing fecal incontinence in this situation.
D. Keep disposable undergarments clean and dry: This is the most appropriate action for managing fecal incontinence in a hospice client. Keeping disposable undergarments clean and dry helps maintain skin integrity and prevents skin breakdown and discomfort. It also promotes comfort and dignity for the client during this sensitive time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Informing his primary care provider of his desires: While it's important for the primary care provider to be aware of the patient's wishes, simply informing the provider may not ensure that these desires are respected in the event of a medical crisis. The primary care provider may not be immediately available during an emergency situation.
B. Filing an advance directive with the health care facility: This is the correct response. Advance directives allow individuals to specify their healthcare preferences in advance, including decisions about life-sustaining treatments such as resuscitation, ventilation, and artificial nutrition and hydration. Filing an advance directive ensures that the patient's wishes are documented and legally binding, providing guidance to healthcare providers in the event that the patient becomes unable to communicate or make decisions.
C. Including these desires in his will: While a will can address matters related to the distribution of assets and property after death, it typically does not cover healthcare decisions or preferences regarding end-of-life care. Healthcare preferences should be documented in an advance directive or similar legal document specifically designed for healthcare decisions.
D. Signing a do-not-resuscitate/do-not-intubate (DNR/DNI) request: While a DNR/DNI request specifies the patient's wishes regarding resuscitation and intubation, it may not cover other aspects of end-of-life care such as the use of IV fluids or feeding tubes. An advance directive provides a more comprehensive framework for expressing end-of-life care preferences beyond just resuscitation and intubation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Harsh and rattling: Harsh and rattling respirations are indicative of other respiratory conditions, such as respiratory tract obstruction or excessive secretions in the airways, rather than Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
B. Long periods of fast deep breaths: This describes hyperventilation, where there are rapid and deep breaths without periods of apnea, which is not characteristic of Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
C. Shallow followed by periods of apnea: Cheyne-Stokes respiration is characterized by a pattern of gradually increasing and then decreasing depth of respirations, followed by periods of apnea (no breathing). This pattern repeats cyclically.
D. Wheezing and labored: Wheezing and labored respirations are associated with conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rather than Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
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