The older adult client taking NSAIDs for rheumatoid arthritis now has pitting edema of both legs. What is the nurse's best first action?
A. Assess the client's pulse, blood pressure, and breath sounds.
B. Instruct the client to weigh herself daily and keep a diary.
C. Document the finding as the only action.
D. Notify the physician immediately.
A
NSAIDs increase sodium and water retention. This action can pose a life-threatening health ha-zard to clients who are older or who have coexisting renal or cardiac disease. For some clients, the edema may be the only problem. For other clients, the extra retained fluid may lead to hyper-tension, heart failure, and pulmonary edema. The client's cardiovascular status should be assessed before any decision is made to keep or discontinue the current therapy.
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Which of the following is the most widely used data collection method by nurse researchers?
A) Records B) Self-reports C) Observation D) Biophysiologic measures
The nurse is caring for a client with bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) and assesses decreased vital capacity during pulmonary function testing. What is the nurse's best ac-tion?
a. Administer intermittent positive-pressure breathing treatments. b. Administer a short-acting beta-adrenergic medication. c. Prepare to administer IV antibiotics. d. Document the finding in the client's chart.
A small bottle with a rubber stopper through which a needle can be inserted is a(n) ________.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
The holistic caregiver will bring to end-of-life care the ability to _________________________. (Select all that apply.)
a. communicate and respond to the patient's concerns about death. b. embrace the value of palliative care rather than curative care. c. help the patient and family face loss and grieve in anticipation of loss. d. encourage the patient to focus on wellness and recovery. e. collaborate with other professionals for patient support.