The palliative care nurse receives a consult for a terminally ill client in the intensive care unit. The client is weak, mouth breathing, and refusing anything to eat or drink. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Report any change in urine color.
Keep mucous membranes moist.
Record the client’s daily weight.
Maintain in high Fowler’s position.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Reporting any change in urine color is not a priority intervention for a terminally ill client who is weak, mouth breathing, and refusing anything to eat or drink. The focus should be on comfort measures.
Choice B rationale
Keeping mucous membranes moist is essential for comfort in terminally ill clients who are mouth breathing and refusing fluids. This can be achieved by offering ice chips, sips of water, or using a moist cloth.
Choice C rationale
Recording the client’s daily weight is not a priority in this situation as the client is terminally ill and the focus should be on comfort rather than monitoring weight.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining the client in high Fowler’s position is not necessary unless it helps with breathing. The priority is to keep the client comfortable.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Positive external places are often used in guided imagery to help clients focus on pleasant and calming environments. This technique can help distract from pain and promote relaxation by engaging the mind in a soothing and peaceful visualization.
Choice B rationale
Tranquil sounds can also be beneficial in relaxation techniques, but they are not the primary focus in guided imagery for chronic pain. Guided imagery typically involves visualizing a serene place rather than focusing solely on sounds.
Choice C rationale
Emotional reflection may not be as effective in reducing chronic pain through guided imagery. This technique is more about visualizing positive and calming environments rather than reflecting on emotions.
Choice D rationale
Motivational phrases are useful in other therapeutic techniques but are not the primary focus in guided imagery for chronic pain. Guided imagery focuses more on visualizing serene and peaceful places.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes is important in evaluating neuromuscular function, but it is not the most critical intervention for a client with hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia primarily affects cardiac function, so monitoring the heart is crucial.
Choice B rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention for a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L. Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, and monitoring the heart rate and rhythm can help detect early signs of these complications.
Choice C rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide information about kidney function and hydration status, but it is not the most critical intervention for hyperkalemia. The primary concern with hyperkalemia is its effect on the heart.
Choice D rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally can help assess neuromuscular function, but it is not the most critical intervention for hyperkalemia. The focus should be on monitoring cardiac function to prevent life-threatening complications.