A patient is very restless and agitated near the end of life, and the physician orders haloperidol (Haldol) PO. The patient coughs and chokes every time foods or fluids are offered. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
a. Crush the medication, and mix it with applesauce.
b. Dissolve the medication in a small amount of water, and administer it with an oral syringe.
c. Ask the physician for an order to administer the Haldol intramuscularly.
d. Hold the medication until the patient is more alert and able to swallow.
ANS: C
C. The patient will benefit from sedation, and the Haldol can be effectively administered by injection. A and B will not prevent aspiration. D is inappropriate because it does not address the patient's restlessness.
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An older patient who smokes half a pack of cigarettes daily and is diagnosed with COPD expresses regret about starting smoking over 50 years ago at a time when it was considered both fashionable and harmless
What can the nurse respond to this patient? A) "Even though you have smoked for a long time, there are still benefits to quitting smoking.". B) "If you continue to smoke, any medical treatment for your COPD is likely to be ineffective.". C) "Unfortunately the damage is now done and quitting smoking will likely have little effect on your future health.". D) "Even though it won't affect the course of your COPD, quitting smoking would probably make you feel better about yourself.".
The nurse is caring for a client who has a grade IV tumor. The nurse understands that this means which of the following?
a. The prognosis will depend on the location and size of the tumor. b. Tumor cells have retained many of the identifiable tissue characteristics of the original cell. c. The tumor is undifferentiated and the prognosis is poor. d. The tumor is well differentiated and the prognosis is poor.
Which example of a therapeutic communication technique would be effective in the planning phase of the nursing process?
A. "We've discussed past coping skills. Let's see if these coping skills can be effective now." B. "Please tell me in your own words what brought you to the hospital." C. "This new approach worked for you. Keep it up." D. "I notice that you seem to be responding to voices that I do not hear."
You are using SWOT for a review of your unit. Which of the following would be part of this process? Select all that apply
1. Identify strengths 2. Identify opportunities 3. Identify stakeholders 4. Identify weaknesses 5. Identify outcomes