An older adult client with cancer of the liver is in a hepatic coma and unresponsive. How should the practical nurse (PN) respond to family members who are inquiring about the condition of their loved one?

Convey that their loved one's condition is very critical, and there has been no response in the last 24 hours.

Relay that the nurses have not been able to arouse the client and the healthcare provider knows the outcome.

Explain the client's extremely critical condition and ask if funeral arrangements have been made.

Refer the family to the charge nurse to discuss the client's condition in a family conference.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Convey that their loved one's condition is very critical, and there has been no response in the last 24 hours: While accurate, providing detailed prognostic information or implying imminent death is beyond the PN’s scope and may cause unnecessary distress.

B. Relay that the nurses have not been able to arouse the client and the healthcare provider knows the outcome: Sharing partial or speculative information can lead to confusion and anxiety. The PN should avoid giving definitive prognoses.

C. Explain the client's extremely critical condition and ask if funeral arrangements have been made: Discussing end-of-life arrangements is inappropriate for the PN to initiate and may be distressing and premature without guidance from the healthcare team.

D. Refer the family to the charge nurse to discuss the client's condition in a family conference: The charge nurse or healthcare provider is responsible for providing detailed updates and supporting the family. Referring the family ensures accurate information is given in a controlled, supportive setting, aligning with professional scope and ethical practice.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Inspection: Jugular vein distention is assessed visually with the client positioned at a 30–45° angle. Observation of the jugular veins provides information about central venous pressure and fluid status.

B. Palpation: Palpating the jugular vein is not recommended because it can cause discomfort and may collapse the vein, making assessment inaccurate. Visual inspection is preferred.

C. Auscultation: Listening with a stethoscope is not used to assess JVD. Auscultation is more appropriate for evaluating heart or lung sounds rather than vein distention.

D. Percussion: Percussion is not effective for assessing jugular vein distention. This technique is used to evaluate underlying structures in the chest or abdomen, not superficial vein distention.

A. Encourage client to retain solution for at least 5 minutes. B. Position client in left lateral recumbent position to expose buttocks. C. Insert lubricated tip of tubing 3 to 4 inches into the rectum. D. Clamp enema administration tubing after filling enema bag. E. Chill the enema solution to help reduce the client's fever.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

A. Encourage client to retain solution for at least 5 minutes: Retaining the enema allows the solution to soften stool and stimulate peristalsis effectively, promoting bowel evacuation. Short retention reduces effectiveness.

B. Position client in left lateral recumbent position to expose buttocks: The left lateral position (Sims’ position) aligns the rectum and sigmoid colon to facilitate easier insertion of the enema tip and optimal flow of solution.

C. Insert lubricated tip of tubing 3 to 4 inches into the rectum: Proper insertion depth ensures the solution reaches the rectum without causing trauma. Lubrication minimizes discomfort and risk of injury to the rectal mucosa.

D. Clamp enema administration tubing after filling enema bag: Clamping should occur before attaching the bag to prevent uncontrolled flow. Waiting until after filling is unsafe and can result in premature solution release.

E. Chill the enema solution to help reduce the client's fever: Enema solutions should generally be at room or body temperature. Cold solutions may cause cramping, discomfort, or reflex contraction of the rectum, and do not reduce systemic fever.

View Question and Answer

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

An older adult client with cancer of the liver is in a hepatic coma and unresponsive. How should the practical nurse (PN) respond to family members who are inquiring about the condition of their loved one?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The practical nurse (PN) learns in report that a client has jugular vein distention (JVD). Which technique should the PN use to confirm this finding?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The practical nurse (PN) is administering a saline enema to a client who was admitted because of a fever of unknown origin and is now constipated. Which techniques should the PN use? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

A client with hypertension complains of a persistent dry cough. The practical nurse (PN) should side effect of which daily medication?

A client receives a prescription for dextromethorphan 30 mg every 6 to 8 hours PO as needed for cough. The bottle is labeled "Dextromethorphan for Oral Suspension, USP 30 mg per 15 mL." How many tablespoons should the nurse instruct the client to with each dose? (Enter numerical value only.)

The practical nurse (PN) is documenting the insertion of a urinary catheter for a female client with urinary retention. Which information should the PN include during the electronic documentation of the procedure? (Select all that apply.)

The practical nurse (PN) tells a pregnant client not to eat if she is in labor. Which is the most important reason for this nursing intervention?

Which instruction should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce with a client who is scheduled to begin external radiation therapy?

A client with hypertension complains of a persistent dry cough. The practical nurse (PN) should tell the client that this is a common side effect of which daily medication?