As the nurse admits a patient in end-stage kidney disease to the hospital, the patient tells the nurse, "If my heart or breathing stop, I do not want to be resuscitated." Which action is best for the nurse to take?
a. Ask if these wishes have been discussed with the health care provider.
b. Place a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) notation in the patient's care plan.
c. Inform the patient that a notarized advance directive must be included in the record or resuscitation must be performed.
d. Advise the patient to designate a person to make health care decisions when the patient is not able to make them independently.
ANS: A
A health care provider's order should be written describing the actions that the nurses should take if the patient requires CPR, but the primary right to decide belongs to the patient or family. The nurse should document the patient's request but does not have the authority to place the DNR order in the care plan. A notarized advance directive is not needed to establish the patient's wishes. The patient may need a durable power of attorney for health care (or the equivalent), but this does not address the patient's current concern with possible resuscitation.
You might also like to view...
The nurse, planning to assess a client's respirations, realizes that the process of ventilation includes:
1. moving air into and out of the lungs to deliver fresh air to the alveoli. 2. alveolar gas exchange. 3. the end stages of oxygenation. 4. pulmonic circulation.
A client in the orthopedic clinic has a self-reported history of osteoarthritis. The client reports a low-grade fever that started when the weather changed and several joints started "acting up," especially both hips and knees. What action by the nurse is
best? a. Assess the client for the presence of subcutaneous nodules or Baker's cysts. b. Inspect the client's feet and hands for podagra and tophi on fingers and toes. c. Prepare to teach the client about an acetaminophen (Tylenol) regimen. d. Reassure the client that the problems will fade as the weather changes again.
A patient is admitted to the ICU with injuries sustained from a fall from a third-story window. The patient is conscious, his breathing is labored, and he is bleeding heavily from the abdomen
He groans constantly and complains of severe pain, but his movements are minimal. His heart rate is elevated. Which of these is a sign that he is in the second phase of the stress response? Select all that apply. A) Bleeding heavily from his abdomen B) Labored, slow breathing C) Severe pain D) Elevated heart rate E) Minimal movement
A teenage patient is brought to your hospital by her parents. The patient exhibits unusual behaviors, including illogical thought processes and strange combinations of words that you do not understand
She is wearing dirty clothes and has body odor. The patient also appears to carry on a conversation with a person who is not seen by you. Your first priority for this patient is: A. Have her shower and change clothes. B. Bring her a snack. C. Resocialize her. D. Ensure her safety.