A patient with terminal illness expresses fear and anxiety about dying alone. What intervention should the palliative nurse prioritize to address the patient's concerns?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for the palliative nurse to prioritize in this situation is to arrange for family members or loved ones to be present at the patient's bedside. Having loved ones nearby can provide emotional support, comfort, and reassurance to the patient during their final moments. This can help alleviate the fear and anxiety the patient is experiencing about dying alone. Additionally, it can contribute to a sense of connectedness and peace for both the patient and their loved ones during this challenging time. Offering practical solutions to address the patient's emotional needs is key in providing holistic palliative care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The sudden onset of severe vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and nystagmus in a patient with a recent upper respiratory tract infection is highly suggestive of vestibular neuritis. Vestibular neuritis is typically caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often following a viral infection such as an upper respiratory tract infection. This condition presents with acute, severe, continuous vertigo without associated hearing loss. The presence of nystagmus, along with the absence of hearing loss, helps differentiate vestibular neuritis from Meniere's disease (which typically presents with episodic vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus) and acoustic neuroma (which presents with gradual onset of symptoms including unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and imbalance). Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) typically presents with brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements, rather than the continuous vertigo seen in this case.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The practice of advocacy in nursing involves assessing the client's point of view and preparing to articulate this viewpoint. Advocacy requires that nurses actively listen to their patients, understand their perspectives, and ensure that their needs and wishes are communicated effectively within the healthcare team. By advocating for the client's point of view, nurses can help empower their patients to make informed decisions about their care and ensure that their best interests are always prioritized.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: For managing a conscious patient with a dislocated shoulder, the appropriate action is to provide analgesia to help manage the pain and discomfort associated with the dislocation. Applying ice packs to the affected shoulder can also help reduce swelling and provide some relief. It is important to refrain from attempting to reduce the dislocation by pulling on the affected arm, as this can cause further damage and worsen the injury. Applying a splint to immobilize the arm in the dislocated position is also not recommended, as this can lead to complications and hinder the reduction process. Administering intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration is not directly related to managing a dislocated shoulder in a conscious patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a woman in active labor diagnosed with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to uterine atony is to massage the uterus to promote contraction. Uterine massage helps to stimulate uterine muscle tone and contraction, which can help control bleeding by reducing the size of blood vessels and promoting hemostasis. It is important to address the uterine atony promptly to prevent further blood loss and stabilize the patient's condition. Other interventions such as blood transfusion, administering antibiotics, and elevating the mother's legs can be considered based on the patient's response to the initial intervention of uterine massage.