An older adult is referred to a geriatric nurse practitioner because of changes in memory and re-ports by family members that "there is something different about her."
The nurse practitioner evaluates the older adult for potentially reversible causes for the changes, which include: (Select all that apply.)
a. depression.
b. delirium.
c. osteoporosis.
d. rheumatoid arthritis.
e. medication side effects.
ANS: A, B, E
Reversible dementia-like conditions include depression, delirium, thyroid disorders, vitamin de-ficiencies (especially vitamin D), and excessive alcohol intake, as well as side effects from medi-cations. There is no evidence that rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis has a dementia-like condi-tion associated with them.
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The nurse acts on the client's behalf as an advocate for the client's needs and best interests. What principle of bioethics is being demonstrated by the nurse?
1. Veracity 2. Beneficence 3. Fidelity 4. Justice
A patient and his family are excited that he is transferring from the critical care unit to the intermediate care unit. However, they are also fearful of the change in environment and nursing staff
To reduce relocation stress, the nurse can: (Select all that apply.) a. ask the nurses on the intermediate care unit to give the family a tour of the new unit. b. contact the intensivist to see if the patient can stay one additional day in the critical care unit so that he and his family can adjust better to the idea of a transfer. c. ensure that the patient will be located near the nurse's station in the new unit. d. invite the nurse who will be assuming the patient's care to meet with the patient and family in the critical care unit prior to transfer.
The family is considering withdrawing life-sustaining measures from the patient. The nurse knows that ethical principles for withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments include which of the following?
a. Any treatment may be withdrawn and withheld, including nutrition, antibiotics, and blood products. b. Doses of analgesic and anxiolytic medications must be adjusted carefully and should not exceed usual recommended limits. c. Life-sustaining treatments may be withdrawn while a patient is receiving paralytic agents. d. The goal of withdrawal and withholding of treatments is to hasten death and thus relieve suffering.
Review of a patient's medical record reveals a diagnosis of anemic hypoxia. Which condition would the nurse suspect was the underlying cause of this diagnosis?
1. Reduced production of erythropoietin 2. Airway obstruction 3. Pneumonia 4. Right-to-left shunt in the heart