A nurse cares for a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ...

[BRWH]

A nurse cares for a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The client states, I do not want to be placed on a mechanical ventilator. How should the nurse respond?
 
  a. You should discuss this with your family and health care provider.
  b. Why are you afraid of being placed on a breathing machine?
  c. Using the incentive spirometer each hour will delay the need for a ventilator.
  d. What would you like to be done if you begin to have difficulty breathing?

Question 2

A nurse cares for a client with a spinal cord injury. With which interdisciplinary team member should the nurse consult to assist the client with activities of daily living?
 
  a. Social worker
  b. Physical therapist
  c. Occupational therapist
  d. Case manager

[bobsmith]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
ALS is an adult-onset upper and lower motor neuron disease characterized by progressive weakness, muscle wasting, and spasticity, eventually leading to paralysis. Once muscles of breathing are involved, the client must indicate in the advance directive what is to be done when breathing is no longer possible without intervention. The other statements do not address the client's needs.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The occupational therapist instructs the client in the correct use of all adaptive equipment. In collaboration with the therapist, the nurse instructs family members or the caregiver about transfer skills, feeding, bathing, dressing, positioning, and skin care. The other team members are consulted to assist the client with unrelated issues.

[BRWH]

Thank you

[bobsmith]

Happy to help you