A patient on the medical unit is dying and the nurse has determined that the familys psychosocial needs during the dying process need to be addressed. What is a cause of many patient care dilemmas at the end of life?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Denial of imminent death on the part of the family or the patient. This is a common cause of patient care dilemmas at the end of life because denial can lead to unrealistic expectations, difficulty in making important decisions, and inadequate planning for end-of-life care. This can result in unnecessary suffering for the patient and added stress for the family. Incorrect choices: A: Poor communication between the family and the care team can contribute to challenges in providing appropriate care but may not be the primary cause of patient care dilemmas at the end of life. C: Limited visitation opportunities for friends and family, while important for psychosocial support, may not directly cause patient care dilemmas. D: Conflict between family members can complicate decision-making processes, but it is not necessarily a primary cause of patient care dilemmas at the end of life.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because administering a lethal dose of medication to a patient whose death is imminent directly causes the patient's death, constituting assisted suicide. This action is intentional and aims to end the patient's life. In contrast, choices B, C, and D do not involve intentionally causing the patient's death. Choice B involves a medication error but not with the intent to end the patient's life. Choice C respects the patient's autonomy in refusing treatment. Choice D honors the patient's wishes for end-of-life care. Thus, only choice A aligns with the definition of assisted suicide.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because folic acid is crucial in preventing neural tube defects and anemia in the developing fetus. The nurse should teach the expectant mother about the importance of taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy. Folic acid is essential for proper cell division and growth, reducing the risk of birth defects. Choice A is incorrect because calcium intake is important throughout pregnancy, not just in the first trimester. Choice B is incorrect as protein intake should be adequate to support maternal and fetal growth, not decreased. Choice D is incorrect as excessive intake of vitamins and minerals can be harmful to the mother and the baby. In summary, the expectant mother should be educated on the importance of folic acid supplementation to prevent birth defects and anemia, while also ensuring a balanced diet with all essential nutrients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Viral set point. The viral set point refers to the stable level of HIV in the body after the initial infection. This state indicates a balance between viral replication and the immune response. The other choices are incorrect because: A) Static stage implies no change, which is not the case with HIV levels fluctuating; B) Latent stage refers to a period of inactivity, not the stable state described; D) Window period is the time between infection and detectable antibodies, not the equilibrium state described.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Teach the patient how to self-cath the pouch. In a continent urinary reservoir, patients need to catheterize the pouch several times a day. This is essential for emptying the urine from the pouch as the ileocecal valve creates a one-way valve. Teaching the patient how to self-catheterize ensures proper and timely drainage, preventing complications like urinary retention. Self-catheterization also empowers the patient to take an active role in managing their continence. Summary of other choices: B: Kegel exercises are ineffective for a patient with a continent urinary reservoir as they do not address the need for catheterization. C: Changing the collection pouch is not the primary action needed for a continent urinary reservoir. Catheterization is essential for drainage. D: The Valsalva technique is not appropriate for voiding in a continent urinary reservoir. Catheterization is the recommended method for emptying the pouch.