A client in the final stages of terminal cancer tells the nurse: “I wish I could be just be allowed to die. I’m tired of fighting this illness. I have lived life a good life. I only continue my chemotherapy and radiation treatment because my family wants me to.” What is the best nurse’s best response?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Would you like to talk to a psychologist about your thoughts and feelings?" This response acknowledges the client's emotional distress and offers professional support. A psychologist can provide counseling and help the client explore their feelings and concerns about end-of-life decisions. Choice B is incorrect because it assumes the client's spiritual beliefs are the primary concern, neglecting the emotional and psychological aspects. Choice C involves more people in the decision-making process without addressing the client's individual needs. Choice D is dismissive and does not offer any support or explore the client's feelings further. In summary, choice A is the best response because it prioritizes the client's emotional well-being and offers appropriate support through professional counseling.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because priming the tubing of the blood administration set with 0.9% NS solution ensures that there are no air bubbles in the tubing, preventing air embolism when the blood transfusion starts. This step also ensures that the blood flows smoothly and prevents clotting in the tubing. Choice A is incorrect because adding IV medication in the blood bag can lead to incompatibility issues and should not be done without proper verification and approval. Choice B is incorrect because leaving the blood bag at room temperature for an hour can lead to bacterial growth in the blood, increasing the risk of infection when transfused. Choice D is unrelated to setting up supplies for a blood transfusion and does not address the immediate nursing intervention required in this situation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Staying at patient's bedside. This is the most helpful nursing action because it provides reassurance and support to the anxious patient experiencing dyspnea. By staying at the bedside, the nurse can monitor the patient closely, provide immediate assistance if needed, and offer a calming presence. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Increasing activity levels may worsen the dyspnea and anxiety of the patient. B: Pulling the privacy curtain does not directly address the patient's anxiety or dyspnea. D: Closing the patient's door may make the patient feel isolated and increase anxiety. In summary, staying at the patient's bedside is the most effective nursing action as it addresses both the physical and emotional needs of the anxious patient with dyspnea.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Correct Answer: D. Antagonize the action of K on the heart Rationale: 1. Calcium gluconate stabilizes cardiac cell membranes during hyperkalemia. 2. By antagonizing the effects of potassium on the heart, it helps prevent life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. 3. It does not lower potassium levels immediately or prevent transient renal failure. 4. Administering calcium gluconate is specific to addressing the cardiac effects of hyperkalemia, not renal or overall potassium reduction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: platelets 18,000. A critically low platelet count can lead to life-threatening bleeding in the ICU. Normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000. A count of 18,000 indicates severe thrombocytopenia. Immediate reporting is crucial for prompt intervention. Rationale for why other choices are incorrect: A: Hematocrit of 48% is within normal range (male: 42-52%, female: 37-47%). B: paCO2 of 38 mm Hg is within normal range (35-45 mm Hg). D: WBC count of 8000 is within normal range (4000-11000/uL). In critical care settings, it is vital to prioritize and address life-threatening conditions promptly, hence the urgent need to report the critically low platelet count.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suggest referral to a sex counselor or other appropriate professional. This is the most appropriate intervention as it addresses the client's concern about impotence affecting his marriage by offering specialized help from a professional who can provide counseling and guidance on managing sexual issues related to diabetes. Referring the client to a sex counselor ensures that he receives expert support in addressing his specific concerns and helps improve his overall well-being and quality of life. A: Encouraging the client to ask questions about personality sexuality may not address the underlying issue of impotence and its impact on the marriage. B: Providing time for privacy is important but may not directly address the client's concerns about impotence. C: Providing support for the spouse or significant other is beneficial, but the primary focus should be on addressing the client's specific concerns about impotence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Autoantibodies. In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland by producing autoantibodies against thyroid proteins such as thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase. These autoantibodies lead to inflammation and destruction of thyroid tissue. Antigen-antibody complexes (choice A) are not the main mechanism in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Viral (choice B) and bacterial infections (choice D) do not directly cause autoimmune destruction of the thyroid in this condition. Autoantibodies targeting the thyroid gland are the key pathogenic factor in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The potential complication. In a collaborative problem, the focus of a diagnostic statement should be on identifying any potential complications that may arise due to the client's condition or treatment. This allows nurses and other healthcare professionals to anticipate and address these complications proactively. A: The client problem - While important, the client problem is usually addressed in the nursing diagnosis rather than the diagnostic statement for a collaborative problem. C: The nursing diagnosis - The nursing diagnosis focuses on the actual or potential health problems that the client is experiencing, which is different from the focus of a diagnostic statement for a collaborative problem. D: The medical diagnosis - The medical diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by a healthcare provider, which is not the focus when identifying potential complications in a collaborative problem.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: “Be sure to protect your tracheostomy from pollutants such as powders, hair, and chemicals.” This instruction is appropriate because keeping the tracheostomy site clean and free from pollutants is crucial in preventing infections and complications. Powders, hair, and chemicals can lead to irritation and blockages, increasing the risk of infection. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: “Never suction your tracheostomy; you might damage your trachea.” - This is incorrect because suctioning is a necessary part of tracheostomy care to clear secretions and ensure proper breathing. B: “You should not feel bad about the tracheostomy – you should feel lucky to be alive.” - This is incorrect as it does not provide practical instructions for tracheostomy care and may not address the patient's emotional concerns adequately. D: “Your tracheostomy will be cleaned each time you visit your doctor.” - This is