A physician orders a nasogastric (NG) tube for a young adult diagnosed with end-stage ovarian cancer and suspected of having a bowel obstruction. The newly hired nurse explains the procedure and rationale for NG tube placement. The client refuses to consent to NG tube placement, stating, "I would rather keep vomiting than have the tube in my nose." Following the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses, what should the nurse do next?
Delegate the NG tube placement to a more experienced nurse.
Make a referral to Social Services related to body image disturbance.
Seek the client's spouse for consent to the procedure.
Document the client's wishes and notify the physician.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason : Delegating the NG tube placement to a more experienced nurse does not address the client's refusal of the procedure. The nurse must respect the client's autonomy and decision-making rights.
Choice B reason : While a referral to Social Services may be appropriate in some cases, it does not directly address the immediate concern of the client's refusal of the NG tube placement.
Choice C reason : Seeking consent from the client's spouse is not appropriate as the client is competent and has the right to refuse treatment. The client's autonomy must be respected.
Choice D reason : Documenting the client's wishes and notifying the physician is the correct action. The nurse must respect the client's right to refuse treatment and communicate this decision to the physician so that alternative management can be considered.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason : The immediate safety of the client is the nurse's primary concern. Assessing the risk for immediate harm is crucial to prevent further abuse and to ensure the client's well-being. This involves evaluating the severity of the situation and the potential for future harm¹.
Choice B reason : While referring the client to a community support group is important for long-term support, it is not the immediate priority when a client reports abuse.
Choice C reason : Implementing a safety plan is a critical step, but it follows the initial assessment of immediate risk. The safety plan will be part of the ongoing support and intervention for the client.
Choice D reason : Instructing the client on how to leave the relationship is an important aspect of empowering the client; however, it is not the first action to take before assessing immediate risk and ensuring the client's safety.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason : The plantar reflex, also known as the Babinski sign, is elicited by stroking the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot. A positive response is indicated by dorsiflexion of the big toe and fanning of the other toes. This reflex is normal in infants but may indicate central nervous system damage in adults¹. However, it is not specifically associated with meningeal irritation.
Choice B reason : Kernig's sign is a clinical sign wherein the patient experiences severe stiffness of the hamstrings causing an inability to straighten the leg when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees. This sign can indicate meningeal irritation but is not as early a sign as Brudzinski's sign².
Choice C reason : Brudzinski's sign is one of the most indicative signs of meningeal irritation. When the neck is flexed, there is involuntary flexion of the hips and knees. This reflex is an early sign of meningeal irritation and is considered a critical manifestation in assessing meningitis following head trauma².
Choice D reason : Sunsetting eyes, characterized by the downward deviation of the eyes, is associated with increased intracranial pressure, which can occur in conditions like hydrocephalus. While it may be seen in the context of brain injury, it is not a specific sign of meningeal irritation³.
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