A male client is admitted with difficulty breathing related to a recent diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer. He tells the nurse that he does not want to be hooked up to any machines. His vital signs are heart rate 120 beats/minute, blood pressure 98/50 mm Hg, respirations 30 breaths/minute, and oxygen saturation 88%. Which action should the nurse take?
Obtain the client's legal records for power of attorney.
Give analgesic medications as needed (PRN).
Discontinue the intravenous infusion.
Ask the palliative care team to speak with the client.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not address the client's immediate needs. The nurse should obtain the client's legal records for power of attorney, but this can be done later.
Choice B Reason: This is a good action because it helps relieve the client's pain and discomfort. The nurse should give analgesic medications as needed (PRN), but this is not enough to meet the client's holistic needs.
Choice C Reason: This is not an appropriate action because it may cause harm to the client. The nurse should not discontinue the intravenous infusion without a valid reason and a healthcare provider's order.
Choice D Reason: This is the best action because it respects the client's wishes and provides him with quality end-of-life care. The nurse should ask the palliative care team to speak with the client and offer him emotional, spiritual, and physical support.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Demonstrating the proper use of personal protective equipment is important, but not the first action. The charge nurse should first assess the UAP's level of understanding and address any misconceptions or fears about HIV transmission.
Choice B reason: Offering to assist the UAP with the collection of the specimen may be helpful, but not the first action. The charge nurse should first educate the UAP about HIV transmission and infection control measures, and then evaluate the UAP's competence and confidence in performing the task.
Choice C reason: Providing the UAP with the infection control policy is relevant, but not the first action. The charge nurse should first explain the rationale and principles of infection control to the UAP, and then refer to the policy as a guideline and resource.
Choice D reason: Determining the UAP's knowledge about HIV transmission is the first and most appropriate action for the charge nurse to take, as it will help identify any gaps or misinformation that may cause fear or anxiety in the UAP. The charge nurse should then provide accurate and evidence-based information about HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment, and answer any questions or concerns that the UAP may have.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not address the client's safety and well-being. The charge nurse should inform the pharmacist who dispensed the medication, but this can be done later.
Choice B Reason: This is the best action because it protects the client from harm and prevents further complications. The charge nurse should evaluate the client for symptoms of a drug overdose, such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, or respiratory depression, and administer antidotes or supportive measures if needed.
Choice C Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not provide immediate care to the client. The charge nurse should report the medication error to the nursing supervisor, but this can be done later.
Choice D Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not correct the mistake or prevent recurrence. The charge nurse should review the medication transcription with the nurse, but this can be done later.
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