An older adult male who is in his early 70's is admitted to the emergency department because of a COPD exacerbation. The client is struggling to breathe and the healthcare team is preparing for endotracheal intubation. The spouse's wife, who is 30 years younger than the client, asks the nurse to stop the procedure and provides the nurse a copy of the client's living will. Which action should the nurse take?
Alert the nursing staff of the client's do not resuscitate status.
Facilitate a family meeting with the palliative care team.
Notify the healthcare provider of the client's wishes.
Place a certified copy of the living will in the client's record.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale
A. A living will often includes directives regarding life-sustaining treatments, including intubation. If the living will explicitly states a preference against intubation, the nurse should ensure this information is known to the healthcare team. However, a living will does not automatically imply a DNR status unless specifically stated.
B. When a living will is presented, and decisions need to be made regarding life-sustaining treatments like intubation, it is appropriate to facilitate a family meeting. In this meeting, the healthcare team, including palliative care specialists if available, can discuss the client's wishes as outlined in the living will. The goal is to ensure everyone understands the client's preferences and to make informed decisions about the course of treatment.
C. The nurse should notify the attending healthcare provider about the existence of the client's living will and its directives regarding medical interventions such as intubation. The healthcare provider needs to be aware of the client's wishes to guide the decision-making process and ensure appropriate care is provided according to the client's preferences.
D. It is crucial to ensure that the living will, once verified and certified as authentic, is placed in the client's medical record. This document serves as a legal and ethical guide for healthcare decisions, especially during critical situations like an exacerbation requiring intubation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale
A. Pairing the newly hired UAP with the most experienced UAP can provide mentoring and guidance. This allows the experienced UAP to share knowledge, demonstrate best practices, and help the new UAP navigate unfamiliar situations or complex care needs. It promotes skill development and ensures that care is provided effectively and safely.
B. Assigning less complex clients to the newly hired UAP initially can help ease them into their role and build confidence. It allows them to focus on learning routines, policies, and procedures without the added stress of managing highly complex care situations. However, this approach should be temporary and paired with opportunities for training and skill development.
C. Direct observation of the newly hired UAP's care delivery is crucial to assess their competency in various tasks. It provides firsthand insight into their skills, adherence to protocols, and ability to handle
client needs independently. Based on observations, appropriate feedback and additional training can be provided as needed.
D. Reviewing the UAP's skills checklist and discussing their previous experience with the hiring manager or supervisor provides essential background information. This helps in understanding the UAP's strengths, areas for improvement, and any specific training needs. It ensures that appropriate assignments and support are provided based on their skill level.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale
A. Aspirin is commonly used in the emergency setting for chest pain suspected to be due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which includes conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack). It works by reducing blood clotting and can help alleviate symptoms in some cases. It is typically safe to administer aspirin
B. Sildenafil can interact with nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, and result in a significant drop in blood pressure. Therefore, the nurse should withhold nitroglycerin to prevent potential adverse effects.
C. Morphine is a potent opioid pain medication used in the emergency department for severe pain relief, including chest pain associated with suspected myocardial infarction. It can help reduce pain and anxiety in acute coronary syndromes. It has no significant interaction with sildenafil.
D. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clotting. It is often administered in the hospital setting for various indications, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or in some cases of acute coronary syndromes.
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.