Question: A student nurse is preparing to care for a dying patient. Which of the following symptoms is most feared by terminally ill and dying patients?
Answer Options: Shortness of breath Confusion Pain Nausea
Answer: C. Pain
Question: A dying patient is receiving morphine for severe pain. The nurse knows the patient is at risk for acute renal failure. What assessment is most appropriate to determine if the kidneys are failing to excrete morphine metabolites?
Answer Options: Assess the patient for adequate pain relief Observe for signs of confusion or delirium Auscultate the lungs for crackles or wheezes Observe the color, clarity, and amount of urine
Answer: D. Observe the color, clarity, and amount of urine
Question: The nurse is caring for an 80-year-old terminally ill patient who is near death. During assessment the nurse notes that the patient is dyspneic and uncomfortable. Which intervention is most appropriate to treat the patient’s symptoms?
Answer Options: Administer 2 L of oxygen per nasal cannula Auscultate lung sounds Administer morphine sulfate Administer albuterol via metered dose inhaler
Answer: C. Administer morphine sulfate
Question: The nurse is caring for a patient who has been receiving comfort care for the last few days in light of her worsening condition after being diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis. During assessment the nurse notes cyclical respirations where the patient’s respiration become faster and deeper, then become slower and shallower, followed by apnea (see pattern below). How does the nurse best interpret this finding?
Answer Options: Cheyne-Stokes respirations Death rattle Kussmaul’s Tachypnea
Answer: A. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
Question: A nurse cares for a patient who tests positive for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The patient asks, “What does this mean?” What is the nurse’s best response?
Answer Options: This deficiency affects the cells that produce mucus and digestive enzymes. Your risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is higher, especially if you smoke. This is a recessive gene and would have no impact on your health. Your children will be at high risk for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Answer: B. Your risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is higher, especially if you smoke.
Question: A patient with a history of bronchitis for greater than 20 years is hospitalized. With this patient’s history, what is a potential complication?
Answer Options: Stroke Left sided heart failure Renal disease Right sided heart failure
Answer: D. Right sided heart failure
Question: After teaching a patient who is prescribed a long-acting beta2 agonist medication, a nurse assesses the patient’s understanding. Which statement indicates that the patient comprehends the teaching?
Answer Options: I will take this medication when I start to experience an asthma attack. I will carry this medication with me at all times in case I need it. I will take this medication every morning to help prevent an acute attack. I will be weaned off this medication when I no longer need it.
Answer: C. I will take this medication every morning to help prevent an acute attack.
Question: The nurse monitors for which gastrointestinal clinical manifestation in the patient diagnosed with cystic fibrosis?
Answer Options: Melena Hematemesis Constipation Steatorrhea
Answer: D. Steatorrhea
Question: An alarm beeps notifying you that your patient’s oxygen saturation is reading 89%. You arrive to the patient’s room, and see the patient comfortably resting in bed watching television. The patient is receiving 2 L of oxygen via nasal cannula for COPD exacerbation. Your next nursing action would be:
Answer Options: Call the rapid response team Turn off the oximetry alarms Continue to monitor the patient Increase the oxygen to 3 liters
Answer: C. Continue to monitor the patient
Question: A nurse cares for a patient who is recovering from a hypophysectomy. What action by the nurse takes priority?
Answer Options: Apply petroleum jelly to lips to avoid dryness Instruct the patient to cough, turn, and deep breathe Keep the head of the bed flat and the patient supine Report neurologic changes
Answer: D. Report neurologic changes