A patient with advanced dementia is no longer able to communicate verbally and displays signs of distress. What should the palliative nurse consider when assessing and managing the patient's distress?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When assessing and managing distress in a patient with advanced dementia who is no longer able to communicate verbally, the palliative nurse should consider exploring non-verbal cues and behaviors to identify the underlying causes of distress. Since the patient cannot communicate through words, it is essential to pay close attention to their non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and changes in behavior. Distress in dementia patients can be caused by a variety of factors including physical discomfort, unmet needs, environmental stressors, emotional distress, or even medication side effects. By carefully observing and interpreting non-verbal cues, the nurse can gain insight into what might be causing the patient's distress and tailor interventions accordingly. Simply focusing on physical comfort measures may not address the root cause of the distress, and administering sedative medications without understanding the underlying cause is not considered best practice in palliative care for dementia patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When the nurse collects data at one point in time, it is referred to as a cross-sectional study. Cross-sectional studies are observational research designs that provide a snapshot of a population or a sample at a specific point in time. This type of study can help identify associations or relationships between variables at a single time point but cannot establish causality or determine changes over time. In contrast, time series involve collecting data over multiple time points, longitudinal studies follow individuals or samples over time to track changes or outcomes, and crossover studies involve multiple interventions or treatments over different periods.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Of the options provided, documenting objective, observable findings such as large bruises on the thigh upon assessment is the most defensible entry in court. This type of entry is based on the nurse's direct observation and assessment of the patient's physical condition, which can be corroborated by other healthcare providers or evidence. It provides clear, factual information without making assumptions or subjective judgments. In court, this type of documentation can help support the nurse's credibility and reliability as a witness.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Obtaining informed consent is primarily the responsibility of the physician. Informed consent is a crucial ethical and legal concept in healthcare that requires the healthcare provider, usually the physician, to ensure that the patient understands the proposed treatment, including the risks, benefits, alternatives, and potential outcomes, before agreeing to proceed with the treatment. While other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, nurse managers, anesthesiologists, and midwives, may also play a role in the informed consent process by providing information and clarifying details, it is ultimately the physician who must obtain the patient's informed consent before any treatment or procedure is performed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Identifying the patient's stage of change is crucial when someone expresses a desire to be "detoxified" from a substance like marijuana. The Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) outlines different stages individuals go through when making behavior changes. By identifying which stage the patient is in (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, or relapse), the nurse can tailor interventions and support accordingly. This approach helps ensure that interventions are effective and appropriate for the individual's readiness for change. It is important to meet the patient where they are in their journey towards detoxification and offer support and guidance accordingly.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked recessive disorder that leads to hemolytic anemia in response to oxidative stress. The patient's presentation of fatigue, weakness, and jaundice along with laboratory findings of hemolytic anemia (evidenced by schistocytes), elevated LDH, and decreased haptoglobin are all characteristic of G6PD deficiency. The oxidative stress causes red blood cell destruction, resulting in the release of LDH and bilirubin, leading to jaundice. Decreased haptoglobin is seen due to its consumption in binding free hemoglobin released from the lysed red blood cells. Additionally, the presence of schistocytes on a peripheral blood smear is indicative of red blood cell fragmentation, a common finding in hemolytic anemias including G6PD deficiency

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Oxytocin release is responsible for the mild cramping and uterine contractions experienced by the new mother while breastfeeding. When a baby suckles at the breast, it stimulates nerve endings that signal the release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in stimulating the contraction of the uterine muscles, helping the uterus to contract back to its pre-pregnancy size. This process, known as uterine involution, is essential for postpartum recovery and preventing excessive bleeding. Therefore, the new mother's experience of mild cramping and uterine contractions while breastfeeding is a normal physiological response mediated by the release of oxytocin.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Cleaning the inner cannula daily helps prevent the accumulation of secretions and debris, which can lead to blockages and infections. It is an essential aspect of tracheostomy care to maintain the patency of the airway and prevent complications. Caregivers should be taught how to safely remove, clean, and reinsert the inner cannula as part of routine tracheostomy care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's best approach to address the patient's fear of pain is to provide accurate information about pain management strategies and options. In doing so, the nurse can help alleviate the patient's concerns by empowering them with knowledge and potential solutions for managing pain during and after the procedure. By acknowledging the patient's fear and addressing it with practical information, the nurse can build trust, reduce anxiety, and create a more supportive and collaborative environment for the patient. Dismissing, ignoring, or invalidating the patient's fear would not be effective in addressing the underlying concerns and could potentially lead to increased distress and resistance to the recommended procedure.