Basic Care & Comfort

Question 1

What are three nursing interventions a nurse can do to aid respiratory support?

Answer 1

1. Elevate HOB / side-lying
2. Fan or air conditioner
3. Pursed lip breathing (in through nose out through mouth)

Question 2

Name two gastrointestinal nursing interventions.

Answer 2

1. assess bowel function
2. small portions of favorite food

Question 3

What are three common causes of dysphagia?

Answer 3

1. weakness
2. neuro disease
3. cancer

Question 4

Name 3 Nursing interventions for dysphagia.

Answer 4

1. speech pathologists
2. alternative routes for med admin.
3. teach family about risk of aspirations.

Question 5

Name three nursing intervention for a patient with urinary incontinece.

Answer 5

1. barrier creams
2. absorbent pads
3. external or indwelling Cath (if skin breakdown)

Question 6

Name four nursing interventions for dehydration.

Answer 6

1. assess mucus membranes
2. continue oral care
3. moist cloths / swabs
4. do not force to eat or dink

Question 7

How is the patients skin expected to look at the EOL?

Answer 7

1. wax-like cool skin
2. mottled / cyanotic d/t decreased circulation to extremities.

Question 8

What are some EOL integumentary nursing interventions? Name three.

Answer 8

1. adequate nutrition & hydration
2. pressure relieving support surfaces
3. apply lotions (reduce dry skin)

*remember to assess

Question 9

What is Delirium often mistaken as?

Answer 9

mood disturbances

Question 10

Which med is a common cause of delirium in EOL patients?

Answer 10

Opioids

Question 11

Nursing interventions to combat delirium. Name 4

Answer 11

1. admin (Benzes, antipsychotics, sedatives)
2. avoid physical restraints
3. emotional support family
4. provide reassurance

Question 12

Pain relief interventions for EOL patients? name 2

Answer 12

1. monitor for adverse effects / effectiveness of pain medications.
2. assess for anxiety, spiritual, or social distress.

Question 13

Is it common for patients to have unusual communication when at the EOL?

Answer 13

Yes

Question 14

What are some risk factors for insomnia?

Answer 14

1. excessive daytime napping
2. stress / anxiety
3. substance use (alcohol, smoking)
4. exercise before bedtime
5. meds (antidepressants, caffeine, decongestants)

Question 15

What should the client do if they can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes?

Answer 15

Leave the room

Question 16

Dietary and lifestyle considerations to combat insomnia. Name 4

Answer 16

1. reduce fluid intake before bed
2. avoid exercise
3. avoid hunger or heavy meals (light carb snack is best)
4. avoid alcohol, tobacco, caffeine

Question 17

Should the PCA pump be locked or unlocked?

Answer 17

locked

Question 18

Does the patient with a PCA have continuous IV fluid?

Answer 18

Yes, to keep the vain open.

Question 19

What is a basal dose?

Answer 19

A continuous rate of meds

Question 20

What is a demand dose?

Answer 20

client administers as needed. but there is a maximum lockout to prevent overdose.

Question 21

Who can press the the PCA pump?

Answer 21

Only the patient can press demand

Question 22

Name 3 interventions for postmortem care?

Answer 22

1. dentures in the mouth
2. pillow under the head
3. keep surgical incisions intake
4. if autopsy is required remove tubes, IV cath, etc…