A frail, older patient is in the emergency room in severe respiratory distress. The patient has had repeated hospitalizations for the same thing. After stabilizing the patient, which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Determine what the patient's end-of-life wishes are.
b. Assess the family caregiver for compliance with treatment.
c. Administer intravenous (IV) fluids at a rapid rate.
d. Prepare to vaccinate the patient against pneumonia.
A
Because of the lifesaving modalities needed to care for such a patient, the nurse and physician work together to determine what the patient's end-of-life wishes are. In the emergency depart-ment, patient stabilization comes first, but once this has been accomplished a discussion should occur with the patient and family about further treatment desires. The family caregiver may or may not be adherent, or the patient may assume all self-care. IV fluids should not be given at a rapid rate because of the risk of heart failure. The patient should receive an immunization against pneumonia per guidelines.
You might also like to view...
The nurse who wants to actively and effectively work with culturally diverse clients will:
1. Seek out homeless people. 2. Avoid global mental health issues. 3. Seek out practicing nurses of a particular cultural background and read transcendental awareness journals.
Mechanical contraction of the heart occurs during which of the following phases of the cardiac cycle?
a. Phase 0 c. Phase 3 b. Phase 2 d. Phase 4
Milk production usually begins during which period?
a. At conception b. During the first trimester of pregnancy c. Immediately before delivery d. Two to 4 days after delivery
The nurse is preparing care for a patient diagnosed with substance abuse of a Schedule I drug. Which drugs are Schedule I drugs?
1. Heroin 2. Marijuana 3. LSD 4. Cocaine 5. Diazepam (Valium)