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.

Answer and Explanation

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale

A. Troponin levels are cardiac biomarkers that are elevated in the blood when there is damage to the heart muscle, such as during a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Verifying the schedule for troponin assessments is important to monitor for myocardial damage and to guide treatment decisions.

B. This action is aimed at creating a quiet and calm environment for the client, which can help reduce anxiety and minimize stimuli that might exacerbate symptoms. Creating a conducive environment is beneficial for the client's comfort and well-being but should not delay urgent interventions required for acute symptoms.

C. PVCs are abnormal heartbeats that can occur in individuals with CAD and may indicate increased cardiac irritability or instability. While monitoring PVCs is important for assessing cardiac rhythm and potential complications, it is not the immediate priority over addressing acute symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and chest pressure.

D. Oxygen therapy is essential in the management of a client with suspected ACS to improve oxygenation and reduce cardiac workload. Maintaining oxygen saturation above 93% helps ensure adequate tissue oxygenation, especially during episodes of chest discomfort and potential myocardial ischemia.

A. Wear a face mask while performing wound care. B. Instruct the family to adhere to contact precautions. C. Report any increase in the white blood cell count. D. Change the surgical dressing readily when soiled.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale

A. Wearing a face mask is a standard precaution to protect against airborne or droplet transmission of pathogens. However, MRSA is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected wounds or contaminated surfaces rather than through the air.

B. Contact precautions are essential for preventing the spread of MRSA. These precautions include wearing gloves and gowns when in direct contact with the client or potentially contaminated surfaces. However, this is not of immediate concern.

C. Monitoring the white blood cell count (WBC) is crucial in assessing for signs of infection, including wound infections. An increase in WBC count can indicate systemic infection or local wound infection, which might be related to MRSA. Early detection and prompt reporting allow for timely intervention, such as initiating appropriate antibiotic therapy or further wound assessment.

D. This is because maintaining a clean environment around the wound is crucial to prevent infection

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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