The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with cancer of the liver who has chosen to remain in his home as long as he is able
The nurse reviews the care plan for the patient and notes that it focuses on palliative measures. The nurse also notes that over the last 3 weeks, the patient's condition has continued to deteriorate. What is the nurse's best response to this clinical information?
A) Recognize that death will most likely occur in the next week.
B) Recognize that the patient is in the trajectory phase of chronic illness and should be kept pain-free.
C) Recognize that the patient is in the downward phase of chronic illness and should be reassessed.
D) Recognize that the patient should immediately be admitted into the hospital.
Ans: C
Feedback:
The downward phase occurs when symptoms of chronic illness worsen despite attempts to control the course through proper regimen management. A downward turn does not necessarily lead to death. A downward trend can be arrested and the trajectory reestablished at any point, depending on the condition and the treatment. A patient who is palliative may not desire hospitalization and aggressive treatment.
You might also like to view...
To reduce the risk that their patients will develop complications from shock requires the nurse to:
A) Provide an accurate diagnosis, plan of care, and appropriate interventions to allow the patient the best chance for survival B) Keep the physician updated with the most accurate information; the nurse is often powerless to help in cases of shock C) Monitor for significant changes and evaluate patient outcomes on a scheduled basis, focusing on blood pressure and skin temperature D) Understand the underlying mechanisms of shock, recognize the subtle and more obvious signs, then provide rapid assessment and response.
The nurse educator is developing a teaching plan to prepare nurses for a disaster situation. Which teaching method is best?
A) Develop an online module. B) Prepare a PowerPoint presentation for review. C) Coordinate a demonstration of a simulated disaster. D) Conduct a simulation for the nurses to have a role as participants.
A faith community consults with a nurse to spearhead a committee to investigate the feasibility of starting a faith community nursing program in their church
The nurse contacts which organization for information, consultation, and reference packets about faith community nursing? a. Parish Nurse Coordinator Center b. International Parish Nurse Resource Cen-ter c. American Nurses Association d. National Center for Wellness
The school nurse is concerned about Jim, a 12-year-old student with type 1 diabetes. He has recently had three episodes of hyperglycemia during school hours and had to be brought to the nurse's office for care
When discussing Jim's food choices the nurse realizes that he does not understand what foods are classified as carbohydrates because he told her he could eat an unlimited amount of: 1. Orange juice. 2. Hot dogs. 3. Peanut butter. 4. Popcorn.