A client's PaCO2 is abnormal on an ABG report.
What does the nurse suspect as the most likely medical diagnosis?

Choice A rationale

Discouraging the family from talking about death can hinder their grieving process and may prevent the dying client from having important conversations and finding closure. Open communication about death and dying is often therapeutic for both the client and their family members, allowing them to express emotions and support each other.

Choice B rationale

Informing the family that the client may soon be out of danger when the client is actively dying of renal failure is providing false reassurance and can erode trust between the nurse and the family. It is crucial to be honest and compassionate about the client's prognosis, preparing the family for the impending death rather than offering false hope.

Choice C rationale

While rest is important for a dying client, encouraging the family to leave the client alone may deprive both the client and the family of valuable time for connection and saying goodbye. The presence and support of loved ones can provide comfort to the dying person and begin the grieving process for the family.

Choice D rationale

Informing the family that it is time to bid farewell acknowledges the reality of the situation and provides an opportunity for the family to express their love, say their goodbyes, and find closure. This supportive action respects the dying process and the emotional needs of the family members as they face the imminent loss of their loved one. .

Choice A rationale

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and plays a role in collagen synthesis and immune function. While individuals with alcoholism may have poor nutrition and potential vitamin deficiencies, thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency is a more immediate and critical concern due to its role in glucose metabolism and the risk of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Choice B rationale

Thiamine deficiency is common in individuals with chronic alcoholism due to poor dietary intake, impaired absorption, and increased utilization of thiamine in metabolizing alcohol. Intramuscular administration ensures adequate absorption, and the frequency addresses the ongoing need to prevent or treat Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious neurological disorder.

Choice C rationale

Magnesium deficiency is also common in alcoholics due to poor intake, increased urinary excretion, and gastrointestinal losses. While a one-time intravenous dose of magnesium sulfate can help replete levels and prevent complications like seizures, it does not address the chronic nature of the deficiency and the need for ongoing management.

Choice D rationale

Albumin is a plasma protein that can be low in individuals with chronic liver disease, which can be associated with alcoholism. However, a one-time infusion of albumin primarily addresses low oncotic pressure and fluid shifts and is not a standard initial treatment for alcoholism itself. Addressing thiamine deficiency is a more immediate priority to prevent neurological complications.