The nurse is working in a pediatric intensive care unit. A young couple has just been informed that their 6-year-old son has died after being in the unit for 1 month
The couple is grief stricken and says to the nurse, "We can't believe this has happened. He was too young. God is watching over him. Do you believe in God?" What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
a. "It was his time. He is in a better place."
b. "He suffered enough. He is in peace now."
c. "I believe he is with angels, but what you think is most important."
d. "It doesn't matter what I think. It is only important what you think."
C
The death of a child is one of the most difficult life events for a family as well as for the nurse who may witness it. In this item, a seemingly harmless statement such as "He is in a better place" or "He has suffered enough" may be hurtful and even offensive for the family. It is better not to offer opinions or judgments. If a family asks what you, the nurse, think, you can briefly share your beliefs and answer their question, but reflect their questions back to them. The most appropriate response by the nurse is to briefly answer the question and refer back to the family. The answer, "It doesn't matter what I think . . ." sounds abrupt and opinionated.
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The nurse is caring for a patient receiving hemodialysis treatments and who has an arteriovenous fistula. What is most important for the nurse to be aware of when providing care for this patient?
A) Using a stethoscope for auscultating the fistula is contraindicated. B) The patient feels best immediately after the dialysis treatment. C) Taking a blood pressure reading on the affected arm can cause clotting of the fistula. D) The patient shouldn't feel pain during initiation of dialysis.
During preoperative assessment, the patient says, "My surgery must be minor because it's being done on an outpatient basis.". How should the nurse respond?
1. "Every surgical procedure is serious, and I will make sure you have the information you need for a successful recovery.". 2. "You are right.". 3. "If it were more serious, you would be admitted to the hospital.". 4. "Your insurance plan does not cover inpatient surgical procedures. That's why your surgery is being done on an outpatient basis.".
The nurse is assisting the client with turning, coughing, and deep breathing exercises. The client asks why this is important. How should the nurse reply?
A) "The doctor ordered the exercises." B) "All surgical clients must do these exercises." C) "These exercises help prevent pneumonia." D) "These exercises prevent thrombophlebitis."
A patient prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) for symptoms of anxiety shares with the nurse that, "I'm concerned about getting off this medication." Upon which fact will the nurse base the response to the patient's concern?
a. Long elimination half-life will result in a manageable withdrawal treatment plan. b. Rapid absorption and distribution to brain cells make withdrawal more difficult to manage. c. Sensitivity of the mesencephalic reticular activating system makes addiction un-likely. d. The combination of medication with an antidepressant often positively impacts withdrawal.