A client who has a terminal illness asks the nurse, "Why is God punishing me?" Which would be the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Be available to the client.

Call the physician for an antianxiety medication.

Advise the client to pray for answers.

Share personal religious beliefs with the client.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Be available to the client: This is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. The client's question reflects existential distress and a search for meaning in the face of suffering. Being available to listen to the client's concerns, offering emotional support, and providing a safe space for the client to express their feelings can be comforting and therapeutic. The nurse should demonstrate empathy, validate the client's emotions, and encourage open communication without imposing personal beliefs or judgments.

B. Call the physician for an antianxiety medication: While the client may be experiencing anxiety or distress, immediately resorting to medication is not the most appropriate response to the client's existential question. Antianxiety medication may provide temporary relief of symptoms but does not address the underlying spiritual or existential distress. It is essential for the nurse to explore the client's concerns and provide holistic support rather than solely relying on pharmacological interventions.

C. Advise the client to pray for answers: This response imposes the nurse's religious or spiritual beliefs onto the client and may not be appropriate for individuals who do not share the same beliefs. It is essential for the nurse to respect the client's autonomy and beliefs while providing support and guidance. Instead of advising the client to pray, the nurse should focus on active listening, empathy, and providing nonjudgmental support.

D. Share personal religious beliefs with the client: Sharing personal religious beliefs with the client is not appropriate in this situation. Doing so may impose the nurse's beliefs onto the client, which can be perceived as intrusive or insensitive. It is essential for the nurse to maintain professional boundaries and respect the client's autonomy, beliefs, and preferences. The focus should be on providing empathetic support and addressing the client's emotional and existential concerns.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Docusate sodium is a stool softener commonly prescribed to alleviate constipation, particularly in patients taking opioid pain medications, which often cause constipation as a side effect. When educating a client about docusate sodium, it's essential to provide accurate information about its onset of action and expected effects.

A. "I can take this medication along with mineral oil."

This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the teaching. Combining docusate sodium with mineral oil is not recommended because mineral oil can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and may diminish the effectiveness of docusate sodium.

B. "I should drink 4 ounces of water when I take the medication."

Although it's important to stay hydrated when taking docusate sodium, there isn't typically a specific volume of water recommended for each dose. While hydration can aid in the effectiveness of the medication, this statement doesn't directly address the expected action of docusate sodium.

C. "It might take up to 3 days for the medication to work."

This statement demonstrates an understanding of the teaching. Docusate sodium may take a few days to produce a noticeable effect on bowel movements. Understanding this timeline helps manage the client's expectations and prevents premature discontinuation of the medication due to perceived lack of efficacy.

D. "I will take the medication for diarrhea."

Docusate sodium is not indicated for the treatment of diarrhea. It is specifically used as a stool softener to alleviate constipation by promoting easier passage of stool. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the intended use of the medication.

A. Serum osmolarity B. Urinary output C. Insensible fluid loss D. Blood pressure

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

When a client experiences increased production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and aldosterone due to extreme stress, the body's response is aimed at retaining fluid to maintain blood pressure and hydration. As a result, urinary output decreases because the kidneys retain more water, leading to concentrated urine production. This decrease in urinary output helps conserve fluids and contributes to maintaining blood pressure and hydration levels in response to stress.

A. Serum osmolarity: With increased ADH production, serum osmolarity tends to remain stable or may even increase slightly due to the retention of water. ADH acts on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption, which can concentrate the blood and elevate serum osmolarity.

B. Urinary output: Increased production of ADH and aldosterone leads to decreased urinary output as the kidneys retain more water. This response helps conserve fluid volume and maintain hydration during times of stress.

C. Insensible fluid loss: Insensible fluid loss, which includes water lost through respiration and skin evaporation, is not directly affected by ADH and aldosterone. These hormones primarily influence renal water retention rather than insensible fluid loss.

D. Blood pressure: Although aldosterone can indirectly affect blood pressure by increasing sodium retention and therefore influencing fluid balance, its primary role is to regulate sodium and potassium levels. Blood pressure may be influenced by various factors, including stress, hydration status, and cardiovascular health, but it is not directly decreased as a result of increased ADH and aldosterone production.

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A client who has a terminal illness asks the nurse, "Why is God punishing me?" Which would be the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who takes opioid pain medication and has a new prescription for docusate sodium. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client who is under extreme stress will have an increased production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and aldosterone. The nurse should expect a decrease in which clinical finding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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A nurse is providing instructions to a client receiving a diuretic that causes potassium loss. Which foods rich in potassium should the nurse recommend? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

A client is prescribed isotonic IV hydration for their current fluid balance problem. Which property of isotonic fluid replacement is essential for the nurse to understand?

The nurse is caring for a client with a fluid volume deficit and hypovolemia. What actions can the nurse take without a physician's order?

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