A nurse is caring for a client who is terminally ill. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that palliative care should be recommended?
Constipation
Serum albumin 5.2 g/dL (3.5 to 5 g/dL)
Apnea alternating with hyperventilation
Peripheral edema
The Correct Answer is C
A. Constipation: While constipation is a common symptom in terminally ill clients, it is a manageable condition that does not necessarily indicate the need for palliative care. It can be addressed with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
B. Serum albumin 5.2 g/dL (3.5 to 5 g/dL): This is within normal range and does not suggest a need for palliative care. Normal albumin levels indicate adequate nutritional status and liver function, so there is no immediate indication for palliative care based on this finding.
C. Apnea alternating with hyperventilation: Apnea alternating with hyperventilation is a sign of impending respiratory failure, which can be a symptom of terminal illness and often occurs in the final stages of life. This indicates that the client may benefit from palliative care to address comfort and end-of-life needs.
D. Peripheral edema: Peripheral edema can occur due to causes such as heart failure or kidney dysfunction. While it can be distressing, it does not necessarily indicate that palliative care is required. It can be treated with medical interventions and does not imply end-of-life.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Drink 4 to 6 ounces of juice.": Drinking 4 to 6 ounces of juice, which contains carbohydrates, will quickly raise blood glucose levels. This amount is sufficient to correct mild hypoglycemia.
B. "Consume two glucose tablets and check your blood glucose 1 hour later.": After consuming glucose tablets, the client should check their blood glucose in about 15 minutes, not 1 hour. If blood glucose is still low, more glucose should be consumed sooner.
C. "Consume 1 teaspoon of corn syrup-based glucose gel.": One teaspoon of glucose gel is not enough to treat hypoglycemia. A typical recommendation would be 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., glucose tablets or juice), which is more than 1 teaspoon of gel.
D. "Eat two crackers with peanut butter.": This combination is not ideal for treating hypoglycemia quickly. The protein in peanut butter will slow the absorption of glucose, which delays the correction of hypoglycemia. Fast-acting carbohydrates are preferred for rapid treatment.
Correct Answer is ["B","E"]
Explanation
Rationale for Correct Choices
- Blood glucose: The client’s blood glucose decreased from 250 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL, indicating a positive response to diabetes management through medication and dietary adherence. This is a key marker of metabolic control in diabetes.
- Urinary frequency: Two weeks ago, the client reported "frequent urination" (polyuria), which is a classic symptom of uncontrolled hyperglycemia. Today, this symptom is not reported, and given the improvement in blood glucose, it's highly probable that the polyuria has resolved or significantly decreased.
Rationale for Incorrect Choices
- Temperature: The client’s temperature increased from 38.3°C to 39.0°C, suggesting a worsening or persistent infection. An increasing fever is a negative trend and does not indicate improvement.
- WBC: The WBC count rose from 9,500/mm³ to 11,200/mm³, exceeding the normal upper limit. This may reflect an active or worsening infection, especially in the context of a draining foot wound and elevated temperature.
- Heart rate: The heart rate remains elevated at 106/min (tachycardia) compared to the previous 104/min. Persistent tachycardia can be a sign of systemic infection or dehydration and is not a sign of clinical improvement.
- Blood pressure: The blood pressure decreased from 98/74 mm Hg to 90/68 mm Hg, which may suggest worsening hemodynamic status and possible sepsis. Hypotension is not an indicator of improvement.
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