Author Question: The nurse is caring for a patient with a progressive, degenerative muscle illness. The patient ... (Read 41 times)

V@ndy87 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse is caring for a patient with a progressive, degenerative muscle illness. The patient states that she would like to remain in her home with her daughter as long as possible. What action should the nurse take?

a. Teach the patient muscle strengthening and stretching exercises.
b. Tell the patient to make plans to move to an assisted-living facility.
c. Discuss resources to help the patient and make appropriate referrals.
d. Ask the patient to come in for daily physical therapy.

Question 2

Which activities are appropriate for the nurse to collaborate with a patient? (Select all that apply.)

a. Prescribing a new medication dose
b. Health promotion activities
c. End-of-life comfort decisions
d. Interpreting laboratory results
e. Lifestyle changes to improve health

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
To honor the patient's request to stay at home the nurse should make appropriate referrals for needed evaluation and assistance. Most nurses will not have the expertise to teach appropriate exercises for degenerative illness. Asking the patient to move to an assisted-living facility does not account for the patient's request. The patient has not been assessed for the need of daily therapy, and it is not likely that a patient with a degenerative illness will be able to make daily appointments for treatment as the illness progresses.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B, C, E
Nurses should include patients and their families when exploring health promotion activities, end-of-life decisions, lifestyle changes, and treatment options. Prescribed medication doses are initiated by educated professionals, although the patient gives feedback on the effectiveness of medications. Patients are not trained to interpret lab results, but patients rely on health professionals to explain results to them.