A client with end-stage lung disease is dependent on a mechanical ventilator to sustain life. While the client's spouse is at the bedside, the client pleads in handwritten notes to have the endotracheal tube removed. The spouse tearfully agrees with the request. Which is the priority nursing intervention?
Offer to contact the family's spiritual counselor to meet with the client and spouse.
Discuss comfort measures with the client and family that will be available during withdrawal.
Inform the healthcare provider of the client's desire to have life support withdrawn.
Explain the actions that the healthcare team will follow for the removal of life support.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Offering to contact the family's spiritual counselor can provide emotional and spiritual support, but it is not the immediate priority in a situation where the client has expressed a desire to have life support withdrawn.
Choice B reason: Discussing comfort measures is important for the client and family to understand what to expect during the withdrawal process. However, this step comes after the healthcare provider has been informed and a plan of care is being developed.
Choice C reason: Informing the healthcare provider is the priority nursing intervention. The nurse acts as an advocate for the client's wishes and ensures that the appropriate steps are taken to respect the client's autonomy and decisions regarding their care.
Choice D reason: Explaining the actions that the healthcare team will follow is an essential part of the process, but it is not the first step. The healthcare provider must first be informed so that the proper orders and arrangements can be made.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reducing the amount of pressure may not be effective if the pulse is weak or absent; other methods may be needed to assess circulation.
Choice B reason: Documentation is important, but it should be done after all attempts to assess the pulse have been made.
Choice C reason: Using a Doppler stethoscope is a suitable next step when a pulse is not palpable, as it can detect weaker pulses not felt by palpation.
Choice D reason: Palpating the site on the inner side of the ankle below the medial malleolus assesses the posterior tibial pulse, not the dorsalis pedis pulse.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choiced. Proceed with teaching the client how to walk with the crutches.
Choice A rationale:
Confer with the physical therapist for correct crutch size. This is unnecessary because the crutches are already correctly fitted.A space of three finger widths between the top of the crutch and the client’s axilla is appropriate to prevent pressure on the axilla and potential nerve damage.
Choice B rationale:
Ask the client to sit down while the crutch length is adjusted. This action is not needed since the crutches are already properly adjusted.Adjusting the crutch length further could lead to improper fitting, which might cause discomfort or injury.
Choice C rationale:
Assess the client for signs of diminished circulation in the hands. While assessing circulation is important, it is not directly related to the fitting of the crutches.Proper crutch fitting focuses on ensuring there is no pressure on the axilla and that the client can use the crutches comfortably.
Choice D rationale:
Proceed with teaching the client how to walk with the crutches. This is the correct action because the crutches are already properly fitted.The nurse should now focus on educating the client on the correct use of the crutches to ensure safe and effective mobility.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.