Which method would the nurse utilize to best facilitate communication when caring for a client with end stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?

Speak slow and loud so that the client can understand speech

Encourage the client to write questions on a white erase board

Use pre-arranged eye signais because eye muscles remain intact

Have the client squeeze the nurse's hand when intubated and on the ventilator

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Speak slow and loud so that the client can understand speech:

While speaking slowly and clearly may help with communication in some patients with ALS, this approach is less effective as the disease progresses. As ALS advances, speech muscles become affected, and the client may be unable to speak at all, making this method inappropriate for end-stage ALS. Simply speaking louder does not address the communication needs of a client who can no longer use their voice.

B. Encourage the client to write questions on a white erase board:

While writing on a whiteboard may be an effective communication strategy in the early stages of ALS when the client still has adequate hand function, this becomes increasingly difficult as muscle weakness progresses. By the end-stage, clients may lose the ability to hold a pen or write legibly, making this method less viable as the disease advances. It is not the best option for clients with significant motor impairment.

C. Use pre-arranged eye signals because eye muscles remain intact: In clients with end-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscle weakness and loss of voluntary control progressively affect motor functions, including the ability to speak, write, and move. However, the eye muscles are typically preserved until the later stages of the disease, allowing patients to communicate through eye movements. Pre-arranged eye signals, such as blinking for "yes" or "no" or using a system of eye movements to select letters or words, are effective ways to facilitate communication with clients who can no longer speak or write. This method respects the client's remaining abilities and allows for more effective communication, especially as the disease progresses to its final stages.

D. Have the client squeeze the nurse's hand when intubated and on the ventilator:

When a client is intubated and on a ventilator, their ability to squeeze the nurse's hand may be limited due to the sedation and ventilator settings, and they may not have sufficient motor control to respond consistently. Additionally, when intubated, respiratory effort is controlled by the ventilator, so relying on hand squeezing would not be an effective or reliable method of communication. Furthermore, ALS patients in the later stages may not have enough muscle control for this method to be practical.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Use pyridostigmine as needed to relieve symptoms of muscle weakness and fatigue: Pyridostigmine should not be used on an "as-needed" basis, as it is a long-acting medication that works by maintaining a steady level of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. The client needs to take the medication regularly at prescribed intervals, not sporadically, to maintain consistent symptom control. This statement reflects a misunderstanding of the medication's use.

B. Be able to crush the sustained release tablet because of difficulty swallowing: Sustained-release (or extended-release) tablets should not be crushed because doing so can cause the medication to be released too quickly, leading to potential side effects or overdose. If the client has difficulty swallowing, an alternative form of the medication, such as a liquid or split tablet, should be considered. This statement reflects a lack of understanding regarding the proper administration of the medication.

C. Skip a dose if I have symptoms of fatigue to minimize side effects of the medications: Skipping doses of pyridostigmine is not appropriate. The medication should be taken as prescribed, even if the client feels fatigued. Fatigue is a symptom of myasthenia gravis, not necessarily a side effect of the medication. Consistent dosing is important for controlling the disease and preventing worsening of symptoms. Skipping doses can lead to inadequate symptom control and potential exacerbation of weakness.

D. Take pyridostigmine 30-60 minutes before meals to improve muscle function: This statement indicates that the client understands the appropriate use of pyridostigmine for managing myasthenia gravis (MG). Pyridostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that helps improve neuromuscular transmission, and it is typically taken 30-60 minutes before meals. This timing helps optimize muscle strength during the period when the client is eating, as muscle weakness can make swallowing more difficult. By taking the medication before meals, the client is more likely to experience improved muscle function when needed most.

Correct Answer is ["56"]

Explanation

Calculate the infusion rate in mL/min.

The total volume to be infused is 500 mL.

The infusion time is 90 minutes.

The infusion rate = 500 mL / 90 minutes = 5.5556 mL/min.

Calculate the drip rate in gtt/min.

The drop factor is 10 gtt/mL.

We need to deliver 5.5556 mL/min.

To find the drip rate, we can set up a proportion:

10 gtt / 1 mL = x gtt / 5.5556 mL

Cross-multiplying:

x = 10 gtt/mL x 5.5556 mL = 55.5556 gtt

Round the answer to the nearest whole number.

56 gtt/min.

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Which method would the nurse utilize to best facilitate communication when caring for a client with end stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is providing education for a client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) taking pyridostigmine. The nurse understands teaching has been effective when the client states, "I will

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient is prescribed 500 ml of Normal Saline to be infused over 90 minutes. The drop factor on the tubing is 10 gtt/mL. At what rate should the nurse regulate the IV (gtt/min)? (Round to the nearest whole number)

Correct Answer is ["56"]

Explanation

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