Which nursing intervention would be a priority in managing dyspnea in the hospice client?
A) Providing an inhaled bronchodilator
B) Administering opioid medication
C) Raising the head of the bed
D) Administering supplemental oxygen
B) Administering opioid medication
Explanation: A) Opioid medications, such as morphine, are highly effective in treating dyspnea. Opioid medications cause venous dilation, reducing blood return to the heart and therefore cardiac preload (volume load), oxygen consumption, demand for ventilation, and central perception of breathlessness. Opioid medications are therefore the cornerstone of treatment for end-stage dyspnea. The other interventions may also be useful in reducing dyspnea, but administration of an opioid is the priority.
B) Opioid medications, such as morphine, are highly effective in treating dyspnea. Opioid medications cause venous dilation, reducing blood return to the heart and therefore cardiac preload (volume load), oxygen consumption, demand for ventilation, and central perception of breathlessness. Opioid medications are therefore the cornerstone of treatment for end-stage dyspnea. The other interventions may also be useful in reducing dyspnea, but administration of an opioid is the priority.
C) Opioid medications, such as morphine, are highly effective in treating dyspnea. Opioid medications cause venous dilation, reducing blood return to the heart and therefore cardiac preload (volume load), oxygen consumption, demand for ventilation, and central perception of breathlessness. Opioid medications are therefore the cornerstone of treatment for end-stage dyspnea. The other interventions may also be useful in reducing dyspnea, but administration of an opioid is the priority.
D) Opioid medications, such as morphine, are highly effective in treating dyspnea. Opioid medications cause venous dilation, reducing blood return to the heart and therefore cardiac preload (volume load), oxygen consumption, demand for ventilation, and central perception of breathlessness. Opioid medications are therefore the cornerstone of treatment for end-stage dyspnea. The other interventions may also be useful in reducing dyspnea, but administration of an opioid is the priority.
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During childhood, it is important for nurses to reinforce which of the following with parents?
a. Eating habits established during this period will usually continue throughout life. b. The rate of growth increases as the child ages. c. New foods should be introduced regularly. d. Whole milk is preferred throughout this period.
The patient experiences extensive third-degree burns. What type of healing does the nurse expect? Healing by:
a. Primary intention b. Second intention c. Tertiary intention d. Primary intention if no infection occurs
The nurse would stress to the ancillary staff that the most important means of preventing the spread of infection in the burn unit is
a. prophylactic antibiotics. b. restricting visitors with respiratory tract infections. c. strict hand-washing. d. using clean gowns, gloves, and masks.
The nurse is providing teaching on how to administer nasal drops. Which of the following responses by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "We need to be careful not to stimulate a sneeze.". B) "She needs to remain still for at least 10 minutes after administration.". C) "Our daughter should lie on her back with her head hyperextended.". D) "We must not let the dropper make contact with the nasal membranes.".