While caring for a client near end of life, a nurse talks to the client. An unlicensed assistive personnel asks why the nurse is talking to someone who is dying. Which response is accurate?
It makes me feel better to talk to my clients.
I do this so I will not be so afraid the client will die.
I believe the client can hear me as long as the client is alive.
I do not know; the client’s family asked me to do this.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Stating that talking to the client makes the nurse feel better is inappropriate as it centers on the nurse's emotions rather than the patient’s needs. Communication with dying patients supports dignity, assuming they may retain awareness, which aligns with patient-centered end-of-life care principles.
Choice B reason: Suggesting that talking reduces the nurse’s fear of death is unprofessional and irrelevant. The focus should be on the patient’s potential awareness and dignity. This response dismisses the therapeutic value of communication, which may comfort the patient, per palliative care and psychosocial support guidelines.
Choice C reason: Believing the patient can hear while alive is accurate, as studies suggest hearing persists in dying patients, supporting communication to provide comfort and dignity. This response reflects evidence-based practice, respecting the patient’s potential awareness and aligns with compassionate end-of-life care, per palliative care principles.
Choice D reason: Claiming the family requested talking is inaccurate and deflects responsibility. The rationale should be based on the patient’s potential to hear, supporting dignity. This response lacks a clinical basis and undermines the nurse’s professional judgment in providing meaningful end-of-life communication, per nursing ethics.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Onion powder is a spice, not a fat, and contains negligible lipids or calories. It does not influence cholesterol metabolism, blood pressure, or insulin sensitivity, which are critical in managing hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and Type I diabetes. These conditions increase atherosclerosis risk via elevated LDL cholesterol, but onion powder has no role in lipid metabolism or cardiovascular health, making it irrelevant.
Choice B reason: Saturated fats, found in animal products and some plant oils, increase LDL cholesterol by enhancing hepatic production of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). In patients with hypertension and Type I diabetes, this exacerbates atherosclerosis, raising cardiovascular risk. Limiting saturated fats reduces LDL levels, improves endothelial function, and supports glycemic control, aligning with dietary guidelines for these chronic conditions.
Choice C reason: Pepper is a spice with no significant fat content or impact on lipid metabolism. It does not contribute to cholesterol levels, blood pressure, or insulin resistance, which are concerns in hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and Type I diabetes. These conditions require limiting fats that elevate LDL, but pepper has no effect on lipid profiles or cardiovascular risk factors.
Choice D reason: Polyunsaturated fats, like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, lower LDL cholesterol and reduce inflammation, benefiting cardiovascular health. In patients with hypertension and diabetes, these fats improve lipid profiles and endothelial function, reducing atherosclerosis risk. The dietician would encourage, not limit, polyunsaturated fats to support heart health and insulin sensitivity in managing these conditions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sodium 138 mEq/L (normal 135-145 mEq/L) is within normal range. Sodium regulates osmotic balance and nerve conduction. Normal levels do not explain tremors, which are often linked to neurological or electrolyte imbalances, like low magnesium. In the context of acute tremors, sodium is not a concern compared to magnesium deficiency.
Choice B reason: Chloride 100 mEq/L (normal 98-106 mEq/L) is normal and does not contribute to tremors. Chloride supports acid-base balance and neuronal inhibition via GABA receptors. Tremors are more likely caused by low magnesium, which affects neuromuscular excitability. Normal chloride levels do not warrant concern in this acute neurological presentation.
Choice C reason: Potassium 4.1 mEq/L (normal 3.5-5.0 mEq/L) is normal and unlikely to cause tremors. Potassium regulates membrane potential and muscle contraction. Tremors are more associated with magnesium deficiency, which increases neuronal excitability. Normal potassium does not explain the neurological symptoms, making it a lower priority than magnesium in this scenario.
Choice D reason: Magnesium 1.0 mEq/L (normal 1.7-2.2 mEq/L) indicates hypomagnesemia, which causes tremors by increasing neuromuscular excitability. Magnesium stabilizes neuronal membranes and regulates calcium channels. Low levels disrupt nerve signaling, leading to tremors and potential seizures. This critical imbalance requires urgent correction, making it the most concerning lab value in this scenario.
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