An older female patient, experiencing cancer pain and nausea and ...

[crobinson2013]

An older female patient, experiencing cancer pain and nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, asks the nurse to pray for her during this difficult time. How should the nurse respond to the patient's request?
 
  A) Facilitate a visit from a chaplain to the client at the bedside.
  B) First determine whether the client shares a similar religious tradition as the nurse.
  C) Pray for the client, asking a higher power to intervene and provide peace and relief.
  D) Explain that praying is beyond the nurse's scope of practice and explore alternative interventions.

Question 2

The nurse discusses the immune response with a group of older adults. Which of the following is one of the factors that contributes to the severity of infectious diseases in the older adult population?
 
  A) Loss of collagen leading to thin skin
  B) Inability to tolerate antibiotic therapy
  C) Localized reduction in T lymphocytes
  D) Increased incidence of hospitalizations

[akpaschal]

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
Nurses are justified in praying for clients and can simply ask a higher power to intervene. An identical religious tradition is not a prerequisite and praying need not be delegated to a chaplain. Praying is not beyond the nurse's scope of practice.

Answer to Question 2

D
Feedback:
A high rate of hospitalization and institutionalizatio n increases an older adult's exposure to pathogens. Other factors include an increase in the number of chronic conditions and age-related immune senescence.