A nurse working on the postoperative floor has four patients who are scheduled to be discharged tomorrow. Which patient has the greatest need for the nurse to consult with other members of the healthcare team regarding post-discharge care?
A young patient who lives alone, but has nearby family and friends.
An older adult who lives alone at home, despite some memory loss.
A married young adult who is the primary caregiver for children.
A middle-aged patient who has undergone knee replacement and requires physical therapy.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
While a young patient who lives alone may need some assistance with post-discharge care, they have nearby family and friends who can likely provide this support. This patient's situation does not present the same level of complexity and risk as the other patients described in the options.
The presence of nearby family and friends can offer practical and emotional support, helping with tasks such as transportation, meal preparation, and medication management. This social support network can play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition from the hospital to home.
Additionally, the patient's young age suggests a higher likelihood of physical and cognitive abilities that can facilitate self-care and adherence to discharge instructions.
Choice B rationale:
The older adult who lives alone and has memory loss has the greatest need for the nurse to consult with other members of the healthcare team regarding post-discharge care. This patient's situation presents several significant challenges that necessitate a collaborative approach to ensure safety and well-being:
Memory loss: The patient's memory loss may impair their ability to follow discharge instructions, manage medications, and maintain personal safety. This raises concerns about potential medication errors, missed appointments, and risks of falls or accidents.
Living alone: The patient's lack of immediate support at home further compounds these risks. Without someone to provide reminders, assistance with tasks, or monitoring for changes in health status, the patient's vulnerability increases.
Potential for social isolation: Living alone with memory loss can also lead to social isolation, which can negatively impact mental and physical health.
Choice C rationale:
While a married young adult who is the primary caregiver for children may face challenges in balancing their own recovery with caregiving responsibilities, they have a spouse who can provide support and assistance. This patient's situation does not present the same degree of risk as the older adult with memory loss living alone.
Choice D rationale:
The middle-aged patient who has undergone knee replacement and requires physical therapy will need support and guidance, but their needs are primarily focused on physical rehabilitation and pain management. These needs can often be addressed through standard discharge planning and coordination with physical therapy services.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Addresses the family's fear directly: By demonstrating how to avoid spreading the disease, the nurse directly addresses the family's primary concern, which is the fear of contracting the infection. This proactive approach provides education and reassurance, empowering the family to make informed decisions about visitation.
Promotes understanding and adherence to precautions: Clear instruction on how to don and doff personal protective equipment, hand hygiene techniques, and other infection control measures increases the likelihood that the family will follow the precautions correctly, reducing the risk of transmission.
Empowers the family to make informed choices: By providing knowledge and skills, the nurse enables the family to feel more confident in their ability to visit safely. This sense of control can help to alleviate anxiety and promote positive coping mechanisms.
Facilitates open communication and trust: The demonstration creates an opportunity for the nurse to answer questions, address concerns, and build rapport with the family. This open dialogue can foster trust and collaboration, which are essential for effective care.
Choice B rationale:
May provide false reassurance: While it's important to offer support and hope, it's not always possible to guarantee that family members will not contract the infection. Absolute reassurances could potentially lead to complacency or disregard for precautions, increasing the risk of transmission.
Fails to address the need for education: Simply stating that the family won't get sick doesn't provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves and the client. This lack of understanding could result in accidental transmission.
Choice C rationale:
May pressure the family: Encouraging visitation without addressing underlying fears and concerns could be perceived as pressure, leading to resentment, anxiety, or even avoidance. It's important to respect the family's decision-making process and provide support regardless of their choice.
Doesn't prioritize safety: While emotional support is important, the primary focus should be on ensuring the safety of both the client and the family. Encouraging visitation without proper education and precautions could compromise safety.
Choice D rationale:
Focuses on compliance rather than understanding: Informing the family about legal mandates may come across as authoritarian and could potentially increase anxiety or resistance. It's more effective to focus on the rationale behind the precautions and emphasize their role in protecting both the client and the family.
Misses an opportunity to build trust: Simply stating the rules without engaging in dialogue may hinder open communication and trust-building. Taking a collaborative approach and addressing concerns can lead to better understanding and adherence to precautions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Step 1 is (250 mL ÷ 90 min) × 10 gtt/mL. Step 2 is 2.78 mL/min × 10 gtt/mL. Step 3 is 27.78 gtt/min. Step 4 is approximately 28 gtt/min.
Final calculated answer: 28 gtt/min.
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