According to the Harvard University Medical School committee, what function must be irreversibly lost to define death?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Death's legal definition hinges on a key loss. 'Brain function' must be irreversiblee.g., no EEG activity, per Taylor's Harvard criteria (1968), marking total cessation. 'Respiratory functions' stope.g., no breathingbut machines sustain, not death alone. 'Reflexes' fadee.g., pupils fixedbut not definitive. 'Consciousness' lapsese.g., comabut reversible. A nurse checkse.g., no brainstem response (e.g., 100% of brain-dead)legal standard, unlike heart-lung focus pre-1968. Brain deathe.g., no reflexes, apneasets end, making Choice D the correct, modern criterion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Talking to the dying has a basis. 'I believe the patient can hear me as long as she is alive' is accuratee.g., hearing persists, per Taylor's end-of-life care, even if unresponsive. Choice A, 'feel better,' is self-focusede.g., not patient need. Choice B, 'not afraid,' is personale.g., not care-driven. Choice D, 'told me,' dodgese.g., no rationale. A nurse chatse.g., 'You're not alone'knowing coma patients recall (e.g., 20% studies), a dignity act. Choice C is the correct, evidence-based response.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Prolonged QT interval is expected with hypocalcemia (7 mg/dL) in Crohn's, due to delayed repolarization. Peaked T waves and U waves indicate hyperkalemia/hypokalemia, not calcium. Widened T waves are nonspecific. Nurses, per NCLEX, monitor QT prolongation as a critical ECG change in hypocalcemia, making B correct.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is option D, the client with kidney disease developed as a complication of diabetes mellitus, is at risk for fluid volume excess. This is because kidney disease impairs the excretion of fluids and electrolytes, leading to fluid retention in the body. In the context of end-of-care nursing, it is crucial to recognize clients at risk for fluid volume excess to prevent complications such as edema, hypertension, and heart failure. Option A, the client with intermittent gastrointestinal suctioning, is at risk for fluid volume deficit rather than excess. Gastrointestinal suctioning can lead to the loss of fluids and electrolytes, causing dehydration. Option B, the client who is on diuretics and has skin tenting, is also at risk for fluid volume deficit. Diuretics promote the excretion of fluids by increasing urine output, which can result in dehydration if not monitored closely. Option C, the client with an ileostomy from a recent abdominal surgery, is at risk for fluid volume deficit as well. An ileostomy bypasses a portion of the intestines where fluid absorption occurs, leading to increased fluid losses in the stool. Understanding the factors that contribute to fluid volume excess or deficit is essential for nurses to provide safe and effective care to their clients. Recognizing the specific risk factors associated with each condition allows nurses to implement appropriate interventions to maintain fluid balance and prevent complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Gloves, gown, goggles, and a mask or face shield. When providing care to a client with a nosocomial infection of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), it is crucial to follow contact precautions to prevent the spread of infection. In the context of colostomy care, where there is a potential for exposure to bodily fluids and infectious agents, wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential. Gloves are necessary to protect against direct contact with bodily fluids, gown provides a barrier against contamination of clothing, goggles protect the nurse's eyes from splashes or sprays, and a mask or face shield helps prevent inhalation or exposure to respiratory droplets. Option A (Gloves and gown) is not sufficient for comprehensive protection against MRSA, as it lacks eye and respiratory protection. Option B (Gloves and goggles) does not include protection for the nurse's clothing or respiratory system. Option C (Gloves, gown, and shoe protectors) is not as critical for colostomy care as eye and respiratory protection. Understanding the appropriate use of PPE is vital for nurses to safeguard their health and prevent the transmission of infections in healthcare settings. By selecting the correct answer, nurses demonstrate their knowledge of infection control principles and their commitment to providing safe care for clients with infectious conditions like MRSA.