The patient is dying of cancer and can no longer swallow. The son states to the nurse, 'You must give dad some water, he always drank a lot of water!' The nurse's best response is:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates therapeutic communication by expressing empathy and encouraging the son to share his feelings. By acknowledging his emotions, the nurse can establish trust and build a rapport with the son, which is crucial in this sensitive situation. Option B is incorrect as it focuses on medical facts rather than addressing the emotional needs of the son. Option C is incorrect as it lacks empathy and may come off as dismissive. Option D is incorrect as it jumps to a solution without addressing the son's emotional state. In summary, option A is the best response as it prioritizes the son's emotional needs and allows for effective communication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: help them maintain independence. Maintaining independence is crucial for individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities to enhance their quality of life. It allows them to have a sense of control, self-reliance, and dignity. Independence also promotes physical and mental well-being by fostering self-esteem and reducing feelings of helplessness. Choices A, B, and C are important aspects as well, but independence is the foundation that enables individuals to engage in activities related to eating well, achieving financial stability, and preserving social interactions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assessment. In this scenario, the nurse is collecting objective data (vital signs) and subjective information from the client to identify health issues. Assessment is the first step in the nursing process, focusing on gathering and analyzing data to make informed decisions. Planning (B) involves setting goals and interventions based on assessment findings. Implementation (C) is executing the planned interventions. Evaluation (D) is assessing the client's response to interventions. In this case, the nurse is in the initial phase of data collection, making assessment the correct answer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because assisting the client out of bed and into a chair promotes mobility and helps prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and muscle atrophy. This intervention also enhances the client's quality of life by providing them with social interaction and a change of scenery. Turning & repositioning (choice A) is important for preventing pressure ulcers but is not the priority for a client in hospice care who may not have a long prognosis. Providing small frequent nutritious meals (choice C) is also important but may not be the priority if the client has a decreased appetite or is not able to eat due to their condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Laissez-faire. This leadership style involves minimal interference from the leader, allowing employees to make decisions independently. In this scenario, the charge nurse is giving staff freedom to choose assignments, reflecting a hands-off approach. Other choices are incorrect because: B: Democratic leadership involves collaboration and decision-making through group consensus, which is not evident here. C: Transactional leadership focuses on rewards and punishments based on performance, which is not addressed in the scenario. D: Autocratic leadership is characterized by centralized decision-making and little input from employees, which is not the case as the charge nurse is delegating decision-making to the staff.