Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

If a DNR patient is declining, what is an effective action for the CNL to take?

1. Spend time discussing staff views on the dying process

2. Notify bed management about an upcoming bed availability

3. Consult pastoral care to provide support to the patient

4. Contact dietary to cease food service for the patient

The correct answer is: Consult pastoral care to provide support to the patient

Consulting pastoral care to provide support to the patient is an effective action for the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) to take when caring for a declining DNR patient. This approach recognizes the holistic needs of the patient, particularly in the context of emotional and spiritual support, which can be crucial during the dying process. Pastoral care professionals are trained to provide comfort and support to patients and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of end-of-life issues, fostering a sense of peace, and addressing spiritual concerns that may arise. In situations where a patient is in decline and has a DNR order, it is essential to ensure that the patient and their family feel supported emotionally and spiritually. Engaging pastoral care can facilitate meaningful conversations about the patient's wishes and concerns, providing a compassionate presence that can ease anxiety and fear. Other options might provide some support in specific contexts but do not address the immediate emotional and spiritual needs of the patient as effectively as involving pastoral care. For instance, discussing staff views on the dying process might not benefit the patient directly; notifying bed management for bed availability could be premature and not sensitive to the patient’s current needs, and contacting dietary services to cease food service does not prioritize the patient’s comfort or emotional well-being at this critical