During the morning assessment, a nurse notes that a client is awake, alert, and has severe dyspnea; respirations are 34 breaths/
minute and labored. Oxygen saturation is 79% on 3 L of oxygen. The nurse notes that the client's chart includes a living will. When considering best practice, the nurse should
Answer: When considering the best practice, the nurse should "initiate potentially life-prolonging treatment unless the client refuses."
Explanation:
Since the patient is awake, alert, and has severe dyspnea life-prolonging treatment should be initiated unless the patient refuses. A living will not take effect until the patient is unable to make their own decisions. A nurse should never withhold treatment when the patient is alert and oriented.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive, or uncontrollable, drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences and changes in the brain, which can be long lasting. These changes in the brain can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who use drugs. Drug addiction is also a relapsing disease. Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop.
