A nurse is assessing a group of clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse make a referral to palliative care?
A client who is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus and cannot afford insulin.
A client who has Meniere's disease and cannot safely ambulate due to vertigo.
A client who had a stroke and cannot eat or drink without choking.
A client whose medications to manage Parkinson's disease are no longer effective.
The Correct Answer is D
Answer: D. A client whose medications to manage Parkinson's disease are no longer effective.
Rationale:
A) A client who is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus and cannot afford insulin:
While this client has a significant medical issue, the primary concern here is financial rather than palliative. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life for those with serious illnesses. Addressing the client's financial issues might involve social services or community resources rather than palliative care.
B) A client who has Meniere's disease and cannot safely ambulate due to vertigo:
Meniere's disease, while debilitating, may not necessarily require palliative care unless the symptoms are severely impacting the client's quality of life in a way that is not manageable with current treatments. Palliative care could be considered if the disease is severely limiting function and other supportive care is needed.
C) A client who had a stroke and cannot eat or drink without choking:
This client is experiencing a significant functional impairment due to the stroke, which might benefit from rehabilitative services rather than palliative care. Palliative care would be more appropriate if the client's condition is progressive, severe, and not responsive to treatment, leading to a focus on comfort and quality of life.
D) A client whose medications to manage Parkinson's disease are no longer effective:
When medications for Parkinson's disease are no longer effective, the client may be experiencing advanced symptoms and a decline in quality of life. Palliative care can provide symptom management, support, and enhance the client's quality of life when conventional treatments are no longer effective in controlling symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client's ABG values show a pH of 7.48, PCO2 of 30 mm Hg, HCO3 of 24 mEq/L, and PaO2 of 85 mm Hg. The elevated pH and decreased PCO2 (respiratory component) suggest respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive ventilation, leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels (hypocapnia) and subsequent alkalosis.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an elevated PCO2 and decreased pH. In this case, the client's PCO2 is decreased, indicating respiratory alkalosis rather than respiratory acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated HCO3 (bicarbonate) level and an increased pH. The client's HCO3 level is within the normal range, making metabolic alkalosis an incorrect identification.
Choice D rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased HCO3 level and a decreased pH. The client's HCO3 level is within the normal range, ruling out metabolic acidosis as the acid-base imbalance in this case.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
High lipase is not a typical laboratory finding related to overusing prescribed diuretics and a sodium level of 127 mEq/L. Lipase is an enzyme involved in lipid digestion and is more relevant in assessing pancreatic function.
Choice B rationale:
High creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) is not associated with overusing prescribed diuretics or hyponatremia (low sodium level). CK-MB is a specific marker for myocardial damage and is usually elevated in conditions like myocardial infarction.
Choice C rationale:
Low hemoglobin is not directly related to overusing prescribed diuretics and a sodium level of 127 mEq/L. Low hemoglobin may indicate anemia or other hematological issues but this is not a typical finding in this scenario.
Choice D rationale:
The correct answer is low urine specific gravity. Overusing diuretics can lead to excessive urination, causing the urine to become more dilute with lower specific gravity. A low urine specific gravity indicates decreased urine concentration and can be a sign of fluid and electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia.
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