A male client in the final stages of terminal cancer tells his nurse that he wishes he could just be allowed to die. The client verbalizes that he is tired of fighting this illness and is only continuing treatments because his family wants him to live. Which action should the nurse take?
Ask the chaplain to discuss death issues with the client.
Notify the family that treatments have been discontinued.
Request a consultation with the hospital social worker.
Arrange a meeting with the family, healthcare provider, and client.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Ask the chaplain to discuss death issues with the client: While spiritual support may be helpful, this does not address the client’s expressed conflict about continuing treatment to satisfy his family’s wishes.
B. Notify the family that treatments have been discontinued: The nurse cannot make the decision to discontinue treatments without the client’s and healthcare provider’s input. This would be outside the nurse’s scope of authority.
C. Request a consultation with the hospital social worker: Although a social worker can help with emotional support and end-of-life planning, the immediate concern is facilitating open communication between the client, family, and healthcare team about the client’s wishes.
D. Arrange a meeting with the family, healthcare provider, and client: This action supports the client’s autonomy and ensures his wishes are heard. It also promotes collaborative decision-making about continuing or stopping treatment, aligning care with the client’s goals and values.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Monitor an IV infusion rate on an established schedule: This task is appropriate for a UAP because it involves observation and reporting rather than clinical decision-making. The UAP can ensure the IV is running at the prescribed rate and alert the nurse if any deviations occur.
B. Titrate oxygen to the prescribed parameters: Adjusting oxygen requires clinical judgment and assessment of respiratory status, including oxygen saturation and signs of hypoxia. This is a nursing responsibility and cannot be delegated to a UAP.
C. Insert a urinary catheter for an uncomplicated client: Catheter insertion is a sterile procedure that requires nursing knowledge and skill. Delegation to a UAP is not permitted due to the risk of infection and need for proper technique.
D. Procure platelet products from the blood bank: Obtaining blood products involves verification of patient identifiers, blood type, and compatibility, which are nursing responsibilities. This task requires clinical accountability and cannot be delegated to a UAP.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Glucose and calcium levels: While hyperglycemia can occur secondary to stress, glucose and calcium are not the primary indicators of severity in a thyrotoxic crisis.
B. Blood and urine cultures: Cultures are important if infection is suspected as a trigger, but they do not reflect the systemic impact of a thyrotoxic crisis itself.
C. Renal and liver function tests: Thyrotoxic crisis can lead to multi-organ stress, including hepatic dysfunction and impaired renal perfusion. Monitoring liver enzymes and renal function helps detect complications early and guide interventions.
D. Electrolytes and hemoglobin: Electrolytes may fluctuate and anemia may exist, but they are not the most critical values to monitor during the acute phase of a thyrotoxic crisis compared with organ function indicators.
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