An older adult male who is in his early 70's is admitted to the emergency department because of a COPD exacerbation. The client is struggling to breathe and the healthcare team is preparing for endotracheal intubation. The spouse's wife, who is 30 years younger than the client, asks the nurse to stop the procedure and provides the nurse a copy of the client's living will. Which action should the nurse take?
Alert the nursing staff of the client's do not resuscitate status.
Facilitate a family meeting with the palliative care team.
Notify the healthcare provider of the client's wishes.
Place a certified copy of the living will in the client's record.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale
A. A living will often includes directives regarding life-sustaining treatments, including intubation. If the living will explicitly states a preference against intubation, the nurse should ensure this information is known to the healthcare team. However, a living will does not automatically imply a DNR status unless specifically stated.
B. When a living will is presented, and decisions need to be made regarding life-sustaining treatments like intubation, it is appropriate to facilitate a family meeting. In this meeting, the healthcare team, including palliative care specialists if available, can discuss the client's wishes as outlined in the living will. The goal is to ensure everyone understands the client's preferences and to make informed decisions about the course of treatment.
C. The nurse should notify the attending healthcare provider about the existence of the client's living will and its directives regarding medical interventions such as intubation. The healthcare provider needs to be aware of the client's wishes to guide the decision-making process and ensure appropriate care is provided according to the client's preferences.
D. It is crucial to ensure that the living will, once verified and certified as authentic, is placed in the client's medical record. This document serves as a legal and ethical guide for healthcare decisions, especially during critical situations like an exacerbation requiring intubation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale
A. This comment suggests that the client is aware of the correct technique (inhaling and holding breath) but finds it difficult to execute properly. It indicates a partial understanding of the inhaler technique but potential difficulty in coordination.
B. This comment indicates a misunderstanding of the purpose of a rescue inhaler. Rescue inhalers are intended to be used promptly at the onset of symptoms to relieve acute shortness of breath. Delaying use until symptoms are severe may result in inadequate relief and worsening of respiratory distress.
C. This comment suggests that the client may be swallowing the medication instead of inhaling it into the lungs. Inhalers are meant to deliver medication directly into the lungs through inhalation, not swallowing. Swallowing the medication can lead to gastrointestinal side effects like nausea.
D. Shaking the inhaler before use is a correct step to ensure proper dispersion of the medication. This comment indicates the client understands and follows this part of the inhaler technique correctly.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale
A. Older adults are more susceptible to medication side effects due to changes in metabolism and polypharmacy. Reviewing the client's current medications, including over-the-counter medications for allergies and insomnia, can identify potential culprits.
B. Some medications used for allergies or insomnia, such as antihistamines or sedatives, can cause EPS in older adults. EPS include symptoms like tremors, rigidity, or involuntary movements. These symptoms can indicate adverse reactions that require immediate attention and adjustment of medication.
C. These symptoms could be side effects of medications commonly used for allergies and insomnia. They may also indicate other underlying health issues or medication interactions. Assessing these symptoms helps in determining their severity and whether they require further evaluation or intervention.
D. Social isolation can contribute to changes in behavior, especially in older adults. While social activities are beneficial for mental health, in this case, addressing the potential medication-related issues (options A and B) takes precedence to ensure the client's safety and well-being.
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