A hospice client is being cared for by the nurse at home. The client begins to experience changes in respirations, coughing and becoming increasingly restless. Based on these clinical manifestations, the nurse would implement which of the following interventions? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY) ( Medical orders are active for each intervention that would require a medical order.)

Call for transportation to the hospital

Initiate low-flow oxygen per nasal cannula

Provide relief from pain and from other distressing symptoms

Place the bed in semi-Fowler's position

Administer anti-anxiety medications as needed

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : C,D

C. Providing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms is a fundamental aspect of hospice care. The nurse should assess the client's pain level and other symptoms such as dyspnea, coughing, and restlessness, and intervene accordingly. This may involve administering analgesics, antitussives, or other medications as appropriate to alleviate discomfort and promote comfort and quality of life.
D. Placing the bed in semi-Fowler's position (with the head of the bed elevated) can help improve respiratory mechanics, ease breathing, and reduce respiratory distress in clients experiencing dyspnea. This position allows for better lung expansion and can facilitate the drainage of respiratory secretions, thereby promoting comfort and alleviating symptoms. This intervention does not typically require a medical order and can be implemented by the nurse based on clinical assessment.
A. Calling for transportation to the hospital may not be necessary or appropriate in this situation, especially considering that the client is under hospice care and experiencing changes in respiratory status and restlessness, which could be indicative of end-of-life processes. Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and symptom management in the home setting, and hospitalization may not align with the client's goals of care at this stage.
B. Initiating low-flow oxygen per nasal cannula may be appropriate to provide comfort and relieve hypoxia if the client is experiencing respiratory distress. However, this intervention would typically require a medical order, as oxygen therapy should be prescribed based on assessment findings and clinical indications.
E. Administering anti-anxiety medications may be considered if the client is experiencing significant anxiety or agitation that is distressing and impacting their comfort. However, the decision to administer anti-anxiety medications should be based on thorough assessment and consideration of the client's overall condition, goals of care, and potential risks and benefits. This intervention would typically require a medical order.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. The sigmoid colon is the last part of the large intestine before the rectum. It functions to store fecal material and absorb water and electrolytes. Fecal material passing through the sigmoid colon tends to become more solid as water is absorbed, resulting in a more formed stool compared to other parts of the colon.
A. The transverse colon is located in the upper abdomen and is responsible for further absorption of water and electrolytes from the stool. Fecal material passing through the transverse colon tends to become more solid as water is absorbed, but it may not be as solid as stool from the descending colon or sigmoid colon.
B. The ascending colon is where stool is in a more liquid form as it moves up from the cecum. It undergoes further absorption of water and electrolytes as it travels through the colon, but it typically does not produce solid fecal output.
C. The ileum is the final portion of the small intestine and connects to the large intestine (colon). Stool passing through the ileum is still in a relatively liquid state as it contains undigested food particles, bile salts, and digestive enzymes. The primary function of the ileum is absorption of nutrients rather than water reabsorption, so fecal output from an ileostomy is usually more liquid.

A. Increased muscle tension B. Altered sleep patterns C. Increased peristalsis D. Impaired immunity

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. Impaired immunity is a serious complication of prolonged stress that can have significant implications for overall health and susceptibility to illness. Chronic stress has been linked to dysregulation of the immune system, leading to decreased immune function and increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune disorders, and other illnesses. Impaired immunity can compromise the body's ability to fight off pathogens and may contribute to the development or exacerbation of various health conditions.
A. Increased muscle tension is a common physiological response to stress but it is not typically considered a serious complication. Prolonged muscle tension can lead to discomfort, headaches, and musculoskeletal issues, but it is not usually life-threatening or associated with severe complications.
B. Altered sleep patterns, such as insomnia or disrupted sleep, can be significant consequences of prolonged stress. Chronic sleep disturbances can negatively impact physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. While altered sleep patterns can have serious implications for overall health and quality of life, they are not typically considered life-threatening in the short term.
C. Increased peristalsis refers to heightened movement of the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in symptoms such as diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort. While gastrointestinal disturbances are common manifestations of stress, they are generally not considered the most serious complication of prolonged stress. However, severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms may warrant medical evaluation and management.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse knows the fecal output will be more solid from a stoma created from which area of the bowel?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a client who has been experiencing prolonged stress. For which most serious complication should the nurse monitor the client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The physician has discussed the need for surgery with a client and has obtained informed consent. The nurse determines that the client does not understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. What is the nurse's best action?

The nurse is assessing a client's sleep patterns. Which statement made by the client would require additional questioning by the nurse? "My partner tells me that:

How can teaching be best provided to a client who has a different primary language than the nurse?

The nurse is preparing to administer an enteral tube feeding to a client via a nasogastric tube. Which nursing action should be completed first?

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A drug that is classified as being a "hypnotic" means that it will:

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