Basic Care and Comfort Flashcards
9 cards from real NCLEX practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 9 Basic Care and Comfort flashcards as text
What is the primary goal when providing comfort care to a patient?
Answer: To relieve pain and improve well-being
Comfort care focuses on alleviating suffering and enhancing the patient's quality of life, rather than curing the underlying disease. This involves addressing physical symptoms like pain, nausea, and dyspnea, as well as providing emotional and spiritual support to promote overall well-being.
What should the nurse do when a patient expresses fear about a surgical procedure?
Answer: Listen to the patient, validate their feelings, and provide information
When a patient expresses fear, it's crucial for the nurse to acknowledge and validate their emotions, fostering trust and a therapeutic relationship. Providing clear, accurate information about the procedure helps alleviate anxiety by reducing uncertainty and empowering the patient with knowledge.
Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient experiencing nausea postoperatively?
Answer: Encourage deep breathing and position the patient on their side
Postoperative nausea can be distressing and lead to complications like aspiration. Encouraging deep breathing can help distract and calm the patient, while positioning them on their side (e.g., semi-Fowler's or lateral position) helps prevent aspiration if vomiting occurs and can sometimes alleviate nausea.
Which action should the nurse take to promote optimal comfort during wound care?
Answer: Use appropriate pain management before, during, and after the procedure
Wound care can be painful, and effective pain management is crucial for patient comfort and cooperation. Administering analgesia as needed ensures the patient experiences less discomfort, which also facilitates the nurse's ability to perform thorough wound care.
What is the best method for providing comfort to a patient experiencing shortness of breath?
Answer: Position the patient in a semi-Fowler’s position and provide supplemental oxygen
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is often relieved by positioning that optimizes lung expansion and reduces diaphragmatic pressure. A semi-Fowler's position allows for easier breathing, and supplemental oxygen directly increases oxygen saturation, providing immediate relief and improving respiratory function.
How should the nurse manage a patient with impaired mobility who needs assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)?
Answer: Assist with ADLs but encourage participation when possible
While patients with impaired mobility require assistance, encouraging their participation in ADLs promotes independence, maintains muscle strength, and enhances self-esteem. This approach supports rehabilitation and prevents learned helplessness, fostering a sense of control over their own care.
What should the nurse do if a patient with chronic pain refuses medication?
Answer: Explore the reason for refusal and offer alternative pain management options
Patients have the right to refuse treatment, and understanding their rationale is essential for patient-centered care. Exploring the reasons for refusal allows the nurse to address concerns, correct misconceptions, or offer alternative, acceptable pain management strategies to ensure comfort.
What is an important nursing intervention for a patient in the final stages of life?
Answer: Providing palliative care and emotional support
In the final stages of life, the focus shifts from curative treatments to maximizing comfort and quality of life. Palliative care aims to relieve symptoms and provide holistic support, including emotional and spiritual care, for both the patient and their family during this sensitive time.
What is the primary focus of comfort measures for a patient with a terminal illness?
Answer: To provide comfort and maintain the patient's quality of life
For patients with a terminal illness, comfort measures are centered on alleviating suffering and preserving dignity, rather than seeking a cure. The primary goal is to enhance their remaining time by managing symptoms, providing emotional support, and ensuring their preferences are respected.