A client who has a continuous tube feeding develops a fever and reports experiencing dyspnea. Which action should the nurse implement?
Report the findings to the healthcare provider.
Review the client's current electrolyte values.
Demonstrate the use of an incentive spirometer.
Connect the tube to low intermittent suction.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The development of a fever and dyspnea in a client receiving continuous tube feeding could indicate a serious complication, such as aspiration pneumonia, infection, or another significant issue. Reporting these findings to the healthcare provider is crucial for further assessment, diagnosis, and intervention.
B. While monitoring electrolyte values is important in clients receiving tube feedings, especially if there are concerns about dehydration or imbalances, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The client's fever and dyspnea suggest an acute issue that needs prompt attention, and addressing the acute symptoms and reporting them to the healthcare provider takes precedence over reviewing electrolytes.
C. An incentive spirometer is useful for improving lung function and preventing atelectasis, particularly in postoperative or immobile patients. However, the presence of fever and dyspnea could indicate a more urgent problem such as aspiration or infection, which requires immediate medical evaluation and intervention.
D. Connecting the tube to low intermittent suction is typically used to decompress the stomach in cases of gastric distension or to prevent aspiration of gastrointestinal contents. However, in the context of the client's new onset of fever and dyspnea, this action does not directly address the potential underlying cause, which could be more serious.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The ethics committee can provide guidance on how to navigate the conflict between the healthcare provider’s beliefs and the client's documented wishes. The committee can mediate discussions and help ensure that the client's rights and preferences are respected according to legal and ethical standards.
B. While having resuscitation equipment available might be relevant if there is a sudden need for emergency intervention, it does not directly address the issue of honoring the client’s living will. This action does not resolve the ethical conflict or ensure that the client’s wishes are respected.
C. Documenting the healthcare provider’s refusal is important for legal and medical records but does not resolve the situation or ensure that the client’s wishes are respected. Documentation alone does not address the ethical conflict or take action to honor the client’s living will.
D. Facilitating a meeting between the healthcare provider and the spouse could be beneficial for discussing the client’s wishes and potentially reaching a mutual understanding. However, if the healthcare provider remains unwilling to honor the living will despite such discussions, this action alone may not resolve the conflict.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Encouraging the spouse to share their feelings is the most appropriate initial action. It provides an opportunity for the spouse to express their emotions and begin processing their grief. This approach validates the spouse’s feelings, offers emotional support, and establishes a supportive environment where the spouse can feel heard and understood.
B. Offering reassurance that the spouse is not alone can be comforting, but it may not fully address the immediate emotional needs of the spouse. It is important to first allow the spouse to express their feelings and then provide reassurance as part of the ongoing support.
C. Discussing alternative treatment options may be premature and could be perceived as dismissive of the spouse’s immediate emotional response. At this moment, the spouse is focused on the emotional impact of the terminal diagnosis rather than treatment options.
D. While offering hope can be part of supportive care, this approach might unintentionally minimize the spouse’s current feelings of loss and grief. It can also come across as dismissive of the immediate emotional impact of the diagnosis.
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