A patient with terminal cancer experiences dyspnea and anxiety. Which intervention should the palliative nurse prioritize to address the patient's symptoms?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a patient with terminal cancer experiences dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and anxiety, opioid medications are often prioritized by palliative care providers for symptom management. Opioids are effective in relieving dyspnea by acting as respiratory depressants and reducing the feeling of air hunger. Additionally, opioids have sedative effects that can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. Therefore, in this situation, prescribing opioid medications would be the most appropriate intervention to address both the dyspnea and anxiety symptoms simultaneously. Oxygen therapy, relaxation techniques, and breathing exercises may also be useful adjunctive interventions, but opioid medications are typically prioritized for immediate symptom relief in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should obtain interpreter services or language assistance as needed to ensure effective communication with a patient who has limited English proficiency. Using an interpreter will facilitate clear and accurate communication between the nurse and the patient, enabling the patient to fully understand their care, treatment, and any instructions provided. Speaking loudly or slowly, using medical jargon, or ignoring the language barriers are not effective strategies for communicating with a patient who has limited English proficiency. Utilizing interpreter services demonstrates respect for the patient's language and cultural needs, which is essential for providing high-quality care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The Patient's Bill of Rights typically focuses on ensuring patients have the right to certain aspects of their healthcare, such as the right to refuse treatment, the right to informed consent, and the right to receive treatment. Civil commitment, on the other hand, refers to the legal process through which an individual is involuntarily placed in a psychiatric facility for evaluation and treatment. This issue is not typically addressed in the Patient's Bill of Rights, as it involves specific legal procedures rather than general patient rights.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Using colored pictures can help make the presentation of the plan more visually engaging and easier to understand for the audience, in this case, the nurse's intended audience. Visual aids, such as colored pictures, can effectively convey complex information in a simplified and easy-to-digest manner. This approach can enhance comprehension and retention of the presented material, making the implementation of the plan more accessible and clear to the individuals involved.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head, also known as osteonecrosis, is a common complication associated with hip fractures in elderly patients. It occurs when there is a loss of blood supply to the femoral head following the fracture, leading to bone tissue death. This can result in pain, limitation of motion, and potentially the collapse of the femoral head, causing further complications. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in order to prevent further degeneration of the hip joint. Other complications such as compartment syndrome, dislocation of the hip prosthesis, and Volkmann's contracture are not typically associated with hip fractures in elderly patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Illiterate clients may have difficulty understanding spoken or written information. Using symbols and images can help convey important messages and instructions in a visual way that can be easily understood without relying on literacy skills. This communication intervention is effective in ensuring that the client understands the information being provided, promoting better adherence to treatment plans and overall health outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's appropriate response is to provide the requested information clearly and directly. In this case, the client asked for the time, so the best response is to say "It is 10 o'clock" to answer their question promptly. Options A, C, and D do not address the client's question and may be perceived as dismissive or unhelpful.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Fidelity is a principle in nursing ethics that pertains to being faithful or loyal to commitments and promises made to patients. When Nurse Pat promised to come back to assist in the patient's ambulation after carrying out the physician's order, she is demonstrating fidelity by fulfilling her commitment to the patient's care. This principle helps build trust between the nurse and the patient, ensuring continuity and quality of care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Hemoperfusion is not a standard management technique for poisoning. The other options are commonly used methods in managing poisoning cases.