A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about medically futile treatment. The nurse should include which of the following as an example of medically futile treatment?

Choice A reason: The prodromal stage is the period between the exposure to the infectious agent and the onset of specific symptoms. During this stage, the person may experience mild and nonspecific signs of infection, such as fatigue or lowgrade fever. The client in the question has already developed specific symptoms of infection, such as sneezing, productive cough, and fever, which indicate that they have passed the prodromal stage.

Choice B reason: The period of convalescence is the stage of recovery after the infection. During this stage, the person's symptoms gradually subside, and their immune system eliminates the infectious agent from the body. The client in the question is still experiencing symptoms of infection, which suggest that they have not reached the period of convalescence yet.

Choice C reason: The acute illness stage is the peak of the infection, when the person exhibits the most severe and specific symptoms of the disease. During this stage, the person's immune system fights against the infectious agent, and the outcome of the infection is determined. The client in the question is likely in the acute illness stage, as they have been experiencing symptoms of infection for 4 days, and their condition has worsened over time.

Choice D reason: The incubation stage is the time between the entry of the infectious agent into the body and the appearance of the first symptoms of infection. During this stage, the person does not feel ill, but the infectious agent is multiplying in the body. The client in the question has already developed symptoms of infection, which indicate that they have left the incubation stage.

Choice A reason: Planning time for disruptions is a time management strategy, as it allows the nurse to anticipate and cope with unexpected events that may interfere with their schedule. By allocating some buffer time for potential delays, emergencies, or interruptions, the nurse can avoid stress and maintain their productivity.

Choice B reason: Offering to complete another nurse’s task is not a time management strategy, but rather a sign of poor boundary setting. While helping others is commendable, the nurse should not take on more responsibilities than they can handle, as this may compromise their own work quality and wellbeing. The nurse should learn to say no politely and focus on their own priorities.

Choice C reason: Skipping a meal break to catch up on charting is not a time management strategy, but rather a counterproductive habit. Taking regular breaks is essential for the nurse to replenish their energy, reduce fatigue, and prevent burnout. Skipping breaks may impair the nurse’s concentration, memory, and decision-making, and increase the risk of errors.

Choice D reason: Completing the easiest tasks first is not a time management strategy, but rather a form of procrastination. The nurse should prioritize their tasks based on their importance and urgency, not their difficulty or preference. Completing the easiest tasks first may create a false sense of accomplishment, while leaving the most critical or challenging tasks for later, when the nurse may have less time or motivation.