A nurse is caring for a client who has gone into cardiac arrest. The client's chart indicates refusal of life-sustaining measures in a living will signed 10 years ago, but a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) prescription has not been written by the provider. Which of the following actions by the nurse is appropriate?
Contact the provider for instructions regarding a DNR.
Consult with the client's family regarding resuscitation efforts.
Comply with the living will and let the client expire naturally.
Call a code because a DNR prescription has not been written.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Contacting the provider for instructions could delay immediate resuscitative efforts, which are required in the absence of a DNR order.
B. Consulting with the client’s family may not be effective in an emergency, as the living will is a legal document, and family members cannot override it without a DNR order.
C. Complying with the living will and letting the client expire naturally would be inappropriate without a formal DNR order in place.
D. Calling a code is the correct action because, legally, resuscitative efforts must be initiated in the absence of a written DNR order from the provider, despite the existence of a living will.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is the priority because it increases the risk of aspiration, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication for clients with Parkinson's disease.
B. Insomnia, while impacting quality of life, is not as immediately life-threatening as aspiration risk.
C. Needing additional help to stand reflects disease progression but does not carry the immediate risk of a life-threatening complication.
D. Difficulty dressing also indicates disease progression but does not pose an immediate danger to the client’s health.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter can be performed by licensed practical nurses (LPNs) under the supervision of an RN, so this task does not need to be reassigned.
B. Administering heparin subcutaneously is a task that can be performed by LPNs, so it does not require reassignment to an RN.
C. Suctioning a client's new tracheostomy is a more complex procedure that requires advanced skills and assessment, making it appropriate for an RN rather than an LPN.
D. Classifying a pressure ulcer is a task that can be done by both RNs and LPNs, so it does not need to be reassigned.
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.