When working with older adults with chronic illness and ...

[biggirl4568]

When working with older adults with chronic illness and exacerbations, what action by the nurse is most appropriate?
 
  a. Continually assess the patients for adhe-rence to the regime.
  b. Assess the patients for ways they can re-main in control.
  c. Teach the patients about the illness tra-jectory.
  d. Routinely review all medications the pa-tients are taking.

Question 2

A hospice nurse shows the best understanding of the personal commitment to the dying patient by
 
  a. providing the patient with sufficient, ef-fective pain management therapies.
  b. addressing the patient's need to feel va-lued by those attending to his or her death.
  c. being available emotionally and physically throughout the dying process.
  d. empathizing with the patient and his or her family and friends during the process.

[JYan]

Answer to Question 1

B
With exacerbations, the patient loses some control over an acute phase of the illness. The patient can be helped to maintain independence, control, and dignity by reassessing what is still within the patient's ability and desire to control. The patient may or may not be adherent, but the nurse should not assume he or she is not. Teaching about the illness trajectory is one tool for giving control to patients. Medication reviews should be done but are not the best action.

Answer to Question 2

C
Once a nurse becomes committed to working with a patient and family throughout the dying process, it is important to follow through on this commitment as much as possible. The other op-tions are narrower in scope.

[biggirl4568]

TYSM

[bulacsom]

Excellent