An elderly patient who is about to have open-heart surgery has verbally instructed the nurse that she does not want her life to be extended by a ventilator after the surgery
The patient's advance directive, however, indicates that she would prefer to receive all life-support measures. The nurse suspects that the patient has dementia. Which of the following questions would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask in the assessment stage of ethical decision making?
A) What are the ethical issues related to continuing or removing life-support measures for this patient?
B) Who should be involved in making the decision regarding life-support measures for this patient?
C) Is this patient mentally competent to make decisions about use of life support?
D) What educational changes can be made in the ICU to resolve similar ethical challenges related to life support measures in the future?
C
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In most primigravida clients, lightening occurs about 2 weeks before the onset of labor. At this time, the mother notices which of the following symptoms?
A) Urinary frequency, dyspnea, leg discomfort B) Dyspnea, constipation, dysuria C) Constipation, dysuria, abdominal pain D) Leg discomfort, urinary frequency, easier breathing
You are caring for a client who has premature ventricular contractions. What sign or symptom is observed in this client?
A) Fluttering B) Nausea C) Hypotension D) Fever
When discussing the nursing process, the instructor stresses that for clients undergoing cardiac surgery, it is important for the nurse to demonstrate competence. What is the rationale for this statement?
A) To acknowledge the client's emotion B) To encourage verbal conversation C) To relieve the client's insecurity and anxiety D) To encourage the client to communicate
A patient is in sinus tachycardia. Which nursing interventions are appropriate?
Select all that apply. 1. Observe the patient for effects on cardiac function. 2. Administer two tablets of acetaminophen (Tylenol) per physician prescription if an elevated temperature is present. 3. Administer normal saline 0.9% IV at the prescribed rate of 200 mL per hour if hypovolemia is suspected as the cause. 4. Give pain medications as prescribed if pain is present. 5. Give atropine per physician prescription to slow the heart rate.