A client with end-stage cancer is on a continuous IV of morphine to control intractable pain. The family is concerned that the client has a decreasing level of consciousness and has shallow res-pirations
Which action by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Call the physician and report the family's concerns.
b. Prepare to administer naloxone (Narcan).
c. Review the goals of end-of-life care with the family.
d. Slow the rate of the IV infusion.
C
Respiratory depression is a side effect of opioid medications and is treated with naloxone. How-ever, in a case where the client is receiving end-of-life care, the goals are a peaceful and pain-free death. All terminally ill clients experience some degree of altered mentation and respiratory changes. The nurse should review this information with the family and not plan on slowing the IV rate or giving naloxone. The nurse can call the physician to relay the family's concerns, but the primary nursing action would be to discuss the situation with the family.
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If an individual is being transferred to another hospital, the nurse needs to ensure that the: a. relatives are informed so that they can drive theindividual there
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The nurse was teaching the client how to plan his diabetic diet. The client explained that he was on the road a lot and ate in truck stops where they did not serve that kind of food
Furthermore, his mom and dad had both died of diabetic complications, and he already knew he probably would also. What is the nurse's best action? A. Explain why the client might have to change careers and be more optimistic. B. Recognize that the client has a present time orientation and stop wasting effort on teaching him about a diet he will not follow anyway. C. Review the client's priorities and see what compromises in nutrition might be possible in his job. D. Try to help the client see the importance of planning for the future.
When attempting to assess a client's pain, which of the following would the nurse obtain first?
A) Observe behaviors in the client B) Obtain a client self-report C) Search for possible causes of pain D) Ask family members about the client's pain