The home health aide caring for a home bound hospice client calls to inform the nurse that the client has reported feeling constipated. Which task should the nurse instruct the home health aide to perform?
Listen for the presence of bowel sounds.
Teach the client about foods high in fiber.
Administer a prescribed dose of a laxative.
Assist the client in drinking warm prune juice.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Listening for the presence of bowel sounds is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires a stethoscope and clinical judgment. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should assess the client's bowel function and abdominal status.
Choice B Reason: Teaching the client about foods high in fiber is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires knowledge and education skills. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should provide dietary advice and counseling to the client and their family.
Choice C Reason: Administering a prescribed dose of a laxative is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires medication administration skills and authority. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should check the medication order, verify the dosage and route, and document the administration.
Choice D Reason: Assisting the client to drink warm prune juice is a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires basic care and assistance skills. This task is appropriate for the home health aide, who should encourage fluid intake and offer natural remedies for constipation, such as prune juice, which has laxative effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not address the client's immediate needs. The nurse should obtain the client's legal records for power of attorney, but this can be done later.
Choice B Reason: This is a good action because it helps relieve the client's pain and discomfort. The nurse should give analgesic medications as needed (PRN), but this is not enough to meet the client's holistic needs.
Choice C Reason: This is not an appropriate action because it may cause harm to the client. The nurse should not discontinue the intravenous infusion without a valid reason and a healthcare provider's order.
Choice D Reason: This is the best action because it respects the client's wishes and provides him with quality end-of-life care. The nurse should ask the palliative care team to speak with the client and offer him emotional, spiritual, and physical support.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Choosing to send another nurse who is more receptive is not a good option, as it may create
resentment and conflict among the staff. The older nurse may feel discriminated against or excluded, and the other nurse may feel burdened or pressured. The nurse manager should try to engage and motivate the older nurse to attend the in-service session, as it is important for her professional development and patient safety.
Choice B Reason: Asking the nurse why she thinks there is no need for an in-service program about these emergencies may sound confrontational or accusatory and may put the nurse on the defensive. The nurse manager should avoid making assumptions or judgments about the nurse's attitude or beliefs, and instead try to understand her perspective and address any barriers or misconceptions.
Choice C Reason: Informing the older nurse that inservice is not optional and her scheduled attendance is mandatory may be true, but it may also sound authoritarian or coercive, and may undermine the nurse's autonomy or dignity. The nurse-manager should avoid using threats or ultimatums, and instead try to explain the rationale and benefits of the inservice session, and solicit the nurse's input or feedback.
Choice D Reason: Encouraging the nurse to share her concerns and discuss ways to prepare for such emergencies is the best option, as it shows respect and empathy for the nurse, and fosters a collaborative and supportive
relationship. The nurse-manager should use active listening and open-ended questions, and provide relevant information and resources to help the nurse overcome her fears or doubts, and enhance her confidence and competence.
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