A nurse is teaching the family of a client who has a terminal illness about end-of-life care. Which of the following statements by a family member indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"The nurse can adjust my mother's pain medication as needed.".
"We are responsible for obtaining support services for our mother during this process.".
"My mother would be able to live longer if we decide to use these services.".
"The doctor will make all decisions about my mother's care.".
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
The family member understanding that the nurse can adjust the mother's pain medication as needed indicates an understanding of the nurse's role in managing the patient's symptoms. However, this statement does not demonstrate an understanding of end-of-life care as a holistic process involving various aspects beyond pain management.
Choice B rationale:
This choice reflects a comprehensive understanding of end-of-life care. The family's responsibility to obtain support services shows awareness of the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address physical, emotional, and practical needs during this process. End-of-life care is a collaborative effort, and this choice accurately acknowledges the role of the family in coordinating necessary services.
Choice C rationale:
The statement about prolonging the patient's life through services reflects a misconception about end-of-life care. The focus of end-of-life care is on improving the quality of life and managing symptoms rather than attempting to extend life. This choice suggests a lack of understanding about the terminal nature of the illness.
Choice D rationale:
Believing that the doctor will make all decisions about the patient's care might indicate a lack of involvement or shared decision-making in the care process. End-of-life care often involves discussions among the medical team, patients, and their families to ensure that the patient's wishes and preferences are respected.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Performing oral care once each day is not sufficient to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Ventilated patients are at an increased risk of developing VAP due to the presence of an endotracheal tube that bypasses the body's natural defenses. Bacteria can accumulate in the mouth and respiratory tract, leading to pneumonia. Therefore, performing oral care only once a day is inadequate for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing VAP.
Choice B rationale:
Brushing the client's teeth with a firm-bristle toothbrush can cause trauma to the oral tissues, potentially leading to bleeding and irritation. In critically ill patients with an endotracheal tube, using a firm-bristle toothbrush can exacerbate the risk of infection and VAP. It is essential to use gentle and non-traumatic methods for oral care to maintain the integrity of the oral mucosa.
Choice C rationale:
Swabbing the client's mouth with chlorhexidine solution is the correct choice. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic solution that effectively reduces the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. Regular use of chlorhexidine mouthwash has been shown to decrease the risk of VAP in mechanically ventilated patients. By reducing the bacterial load in the mouth, the risk of aspiration and subsequent pneumonia is lowered, making it a crucial intervention for preventing VAP.
Choice D rationale:
Raising the head of the bed by 15° for oral care is an important measure to prevent aspiration during oral care. However, it alone is not sufficient to reduce the risk of VAP. While proper head positioning helps prevent the entry of oral secretions into the lower respiratory tract, it must be combined with effective oral hygiene practices, such as using chlorhexidine solution, to comprehensively reduce the risk of VAP.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Lying down while practicing pursed-lip breathing is not the correct instruction. Pursed-lip breathing is usually performed in a sitting or standing position. Lying down can restrict lung expansion and may not effectively support the purpose of this breathing technique, which is to improve airway pressure and reduce air trapping.
Choice B rationale:
"Exhale slowly through your mouth" is the correct instruction for pursed-lip breathing. This technique involves inhaling through the nose for a count of two and exhaling slowly and steadily through pursed lips for a count of four. The goal is to promote better exhalation, prevent airway collapse, and improve oxygen exchange. The rationale behind this choice is grounded in the mechanics of pursed-lip breathing, which helps create backpressure in the airways, maintaining them open and aiding in proper exhalation.
Choice C rationale:
Inhaling through pursed lips contradicts the proper sequence of pursed-lip breathing. The technique involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips. Inhaling through pursed lips would not provide the intended benefits of the technique.
Choice D rationale:
"Puff your cheeks when exhaling" is not the correct instruction. Puffing the cheeks during exhalation does not contribute to the effectiveness of pursed-lip breathing. This action could potentially impede proper exhalation and defeat the purpose of the technique, which is to control airflow and improve breathing efficiency.
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