Author Question: The charge nurse on the evening shift of a busy medical unit in an acute care hospital received a ... (Read 59 times)

amal · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The charge nurse on the evening shift of a busy medical unit in an acute care hospital received a call from a physician's office that they are admitting a patient who is dying of lung cancer.

She is told that the patient's family is out of town and is not expected to make it to the hospital before the patient expires. What is the best room for the nurse to place this patient? a. A private room near the nurse's station
b. A semiprivate room halfway down the hall with another terminally ill patient
c. A private room at the end of the hall
d. A semiprivate room with instructions for staff to enter only when necessary

Question 2

Medications that reduce fever by interfering with the hypothalamic response include:

a. salicylates.
b. acetaminophen.
c. ibuprofen.
d. corticosteroids.

vkodali · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Unless family members need privacy or are remaining with the patient around the clock, avoid placing patients in a private room. Patients who are dying often feel a sense of involvement and companionship when sharing a room and have more opportunities to interact with staff and visitors.

Answer to Question 2

D
Antipyretics are medications that reduce fever. Nonsteroidal drugs such as acetaminophen, salicylates, indomethacin, ibuprofen, and ketorolac reduce fever by increasing heat loss. Although not used to treat fever, corticosteroids reduce heat production by interfering with the hypothalamic response.