The physician has just informed a client with advanced heart failure that a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) will be needed. The client is crying and says to the nurse, "I just know that I am going to die. What's the point of treatment?" The priority nursing action is to:
prepare to place the client in a single room.
ask the client if they wish to speak to a spiritual advisor.
explore the possibility of suicidal thoughts with the client.
explain to the client that they will not die for a long time.
The Correct Answer is C
A. While privacy may be important for a patient who is emotionally distressed, the priority is addressing
the client’s emotional state, not the physical environment.
B. This might be helpful later, but the priority is to explore the patient's feelings and concerns regarding their condition first. Immediate emotional support is more important at this stage.
C. When a patient expresses feelings of hopelessness, as in this case, the nurse must assess for potential suicidal ideation. This is a priority to ensure patient safety and to provide necessary psychological support or intervention.
D. While reassurance is important, providing false or unrealistic expectations can lead to further disappointment. The nurse should focus on addressing emotional distress and offering realistic support rather than giving definitive assurances.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["13.8"]
Explanation
The patient weighs 121 lbs, which is approximately 55 kg (121 ÷ 2.2).
The prescribed dose is 1 mg/kg, so the patient requires 55 mg of furosemide. The medication is supplied at a concentration of 40 mg per 10 mL.
To find out how many mL of furosemide to administer, set up a proportion: 40 mg is to 10 mL as 55 mg is to X mL.
Therefore, the nurse should administer 13.8 mL of furosemide, rounding to the nearest tenth.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. This would be concerning, but it is not the correct choice. If a pacemaker is functioning abnormally, it would require an assessment and troubleshooting, not simply a routine rhythm.
B. This is typical for biventricular pacemakers used in heart failure patients, but it would not apply to a patient with a standard pacemaker unless specified. A recent pacemaker placement does not necessarily indicate biventricular pacing.
C. This is correct if only the atrium is paced; however, in the case of a typical pacemaker like DDD (dual- chamber pacemaker), both the atrium and ventricle are paced.
D. This is correct for dual-chamber pacemakers (like DDD), which pace both the atrium and the ventricle to coordinate the heart's rhythm.
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