The nurse admits a terminally ill patient to the hospital. What is the first action that the nurse should complete when planning this patient's care?
a. Determine the patient's wishes regarding end-of-life care.
b. Emphasize the importance of addressing any family issues.
c. Discuss the normal grief process with the patient and family.
d. Encourage the patient to talk about any fears or unresolved issues.
ANS: A
The nurse's initial action should be to assess the patient's wishes at this time. The other actions may be implemented if the patient or the family express a desire to discuss fears, understand the grief process, or address family issues, but they should not be implemented until the assessment indicates that they are appropriate.
You might also like to view...
A 79-year-old woman suffering from dementia of the Alzheimer's type resides in an independent living long-term care facility. During a recent nursing visit, the client was quite upset about the loss of her frying pan
While complaining about its loss, she was holding the pan in her hand. The nurse pointed out to the client that she had the pan she was looking for. The client looked at the pan and stated, "No, this is not it." The nurse knows the client is exhibiting: 1. Aphasia. 2. Agnosia. 3. Apraxia. 4. Nystagmus.
When admitting a patient to the hospital, the nurse observes that the patient is distracted and tense. What does this behavior suggest as a common reaction to hospitalization?
a. Relief about being cared for b. Fear of the unknown c. Feeling of powerlessness d. Concern about cost
Which of the following concepts is important to the provision of family-centered nursing care in the acute care setting?
1. A planned hospitalization helps to clarify family roles and unifies families. 2. During hospitalization, families are often challenged by the need to make adjustments in family routines. 3. Deliberate adherence to typical family routines during hospitalization reduces the uncertainty experienced by family members. 4. Exposure to an ill family member in the acute care setting is stressful and family time should be limited.
After a transurethral resection, the nurse notices that the client's urine in the Foley catheter bag is bright red, has numerous clots, and is viscous. The priority nursing action at this time is to
a. add fluid to the balloon end of the catheter. b. call the physician immediately. c. force fluids for the next 8 hours. d. irrigate the catheter with sterile saline.