NCLEX-RN
Caring for a Patient Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse cared for a client who died a few minutes ago. Which event supports the nurse's belief that the client died with dignity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The family response is an external perception, and it is extremely important. Families derive a great deal of comfort from knowing that their loved one received the best care possible. The correct option provides external validation that the client received comprehensive, quality care. Option 2 focuses on the feelings of the nurse, who may be expressing his or her own anxiety. Option 3 focuses on the provider's prescriptions rather than client care. Option 4 reflects on only one aspect of the care of a dying client.
Question 2 of 5
A client and her infant have been diagnosed as being positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). When the mother is observed crying, the nurse determines that which intervention will meet the client's initial needs?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This client has just received devastating news and needs to have someone present with her as she begins to cope with this issue. The nurse needs to sit and actively listen while the mother talks and cries. Examining the mother and describing the progression and treatment of HIV is not appropriate for this stage of coping. Calling an HIV counselor may be helpful, but it is not what the client needs initially.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse cared for a client who died a few minutes ago. Which event supports the nurse's belief that the client died with dignity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The family response is an external perception, and it is extremely important. Families derive a great deal of comfort from knowing that their loved one received the best care possible. The correct option provides external validation that the client received comprehensive, quality care. Option 2 focuses on the feelings of the nurse, who may be expressing his or her own anxiety. Option 3 focuses on the provider's prescriptions rather than client care. Option 4 reflects on only one aspect of the care of a dying client.
Question 4 of 5
When a client is dead on arrival (DOA) to the emergency department, the family states that they do not want an autopsy performed. Which statement should the nurse make in response to the family?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should notify the medical examiner or the coroner when a family wishes to avoid having an autopsy on a deceased family member. Normally the medical examiner will honor the family request unless there is a state law requiring the autopsy. Depending on the state, it is not mandatory for every client who is DOA to have an autopsy. However, many states require an autopsy in specific circumstances, including sudden death, a suspicious death, and death within 24 hours of admission to the hospital. Autopsy is not a requirement under federal law.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse has an established relationship with the family of a client whose death is imminent. Which intervention should the nurse focus on in order to help the family most effectively cope with this experience?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Maintaining effective and open communication among family members affected by death and grief is important to facilitate decision making and effective coping. The nurse maintains and enhances communication and preserves the family's sense of self-direction and control effectively by answering questions clearly and providing information and resources for decision making as requested by the family. Isolating the family from the client by limiting time in the client's room is inappropriate. The nurse should not provide education about coping mechanisms for family members to use because coping mechanisms directed by the nurse are unlikely to be as effective as the methods that the individuals choose for themselves. Identifying spiritual measures that work best for the dying client generalizes and does not reflect individualized care.