A patients daughter has asked the nurse about helping him end his terrible suffering. The nurse is aware of the ANA Position Statement on Assisted Suicide, which clearly states that nursing participation in assisted suicide is a violation of the Code for Nurses. What does the Position Statement further stress?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The ANA Position Statement on Assisted Suicide stresses the importance of identifying patient and family concerns and fears. This reflects the nurse's responsibility to provide holistic care and support to patients and their families who may be struggling with end-of-life decisions. By identifying concerns and fears, the nurse can address these issues through compassionate communication, education, and appropriate interventions. This proactive approach aligns with the ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence in nursing practice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When the patient expresses fear of dying, the best response from the nurse would be to address the patient's concerns directly by asking, "Can you tell me what concerns you most about dying?" This response shows empathy and allows the patient to express their fears and thoughts openly. By understanding the specific concerns, the nurse can provide appropriate support and guidance to help alleviate the patient's fears and anxieties. It also opens up a dialogue for the nurse to provide information and reassurance based on the patient's individual needs and feelings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are a class of antiretroviral medications typically recommended to be taken without regard to meals. This means that these medications can be taken with or without food. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding the timing of medication administration. Taking NRTIs without regard to meals helps ensure consistent absorption of the medication and can help maintain steady drug levels in the body. There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with NRTIs in terms of meal timing or composition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's best response is option C - "AIDS isn't transmitted by casual contact." This response is accurate and provides the necessary information to address the friend's concern. It is important to educate the friend that HIV/AIDS is not transmitted through casual contact such as visiting a patient in the hospital. By stating this fact clearly, the nurse can help alleviate any unfounded fears or misconceptions the friend may have about contracting HIV while visiting the patient. This response promotes understanding and helps reduce stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, while also emphasizing the importance of accurate information in preventing the spread of the virus.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During the primary infection stage of HIV, the patient is newly infected with the virus. At this stage, the patient's immune system has not yet produced HIV-specific antibodies, making it difficult to detect HIV infection using standard antibody tests. Instead, the virus can be detected by testing for the presence of HIV RNA or p24 antigen. The primary infection stage is characterized by a high level of viral replication and rapid spread of the virus throughout the body. In this early stage, the patient may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The absence of HIV-specific antibodies means that the patient is highly infectious and can easily transmit the virus to others. As the infection progresses, the patient will eventually develop HIV-specific antibodies, which can be detected through antibody tests.