A client is admitted following a motor vehicle collision.

When assessing the client's level of consciousness, the nurse notes that the client no longer responds to commands.

The nurse initiates a painful stimulus and the client responds by pulling the arms inward with elbows and wrists flexed and extending the legs with the toes pointed downward.

Which action should the nurse implement?

Report the finding to the healthcare provider.

Document the purposeful response to pain.

Initiate seizure precautions immediately.

Administer a prescribed PRN analgesic.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Reporting the finding to the healthcare provider is important when the client no longer responds to commands and exhibits a specific response to pain. However, it should not be the first action. The nurse's initial response should be to assess and document the client's neurological status and response to pain to provide accurate information to the healthcare provider.

Choice B rationale:

Documenting the purposeful response to pain is the correct initial action in this scenario. The client's response, which involves pulling the arms inward with elbows and wrists flexed and extending the legs with the toes pointed downward, is known as decerebrate posturing. It is a specific neurological response to painful stimuli and may indicate a brain injury. Documenting this response is crucial for the client's medical record and helps the healthcare provider assess the severity of the neurological injury.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating seizure precautions immediately is not the first action to take in this scenario. While the client's response to pain may resemble posturing seen in seizures, it is more indicative of a neurological injury or dysfunction. Further assessment and evaluation are needed before implementing seizure precautions.

Choice D rationale:

Administering a prescribed PRN analgesic is not the first action to take when the client exhibits decerebrate posturing in response to pain. This response indicates a neurological issue or injury that requires assessment and evaluation. Administering pain medication without a clear understanding of the underlying cause may not be appropriate and could potentially mask important neurological signs.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Aspirin is not typically contraindicated in a client who has taken sildenafil unless there are specific contraindications or allergies. Aspirin is often used in the management of acute chest pain to help prevent blood clot formation.

Choice B rationale:

Heparin is not contraindicated solely because the client has taken sildenafil. Heparin is an anticoagulant commonly used in various clinical settings, including the management of certain cardiac conditions.

Choice C rationale:

Morphine is not necessarily contraindicated based solely on the client's use of sildenafil. Morphine can be used to relieve chest pain in some cases of acute coronary syndrome. However, its use should be carefully evaluated based on the client's overall clinical presentation.

Choice D rationale:

Nitroglycerin should be withheld in this scenario. Sildenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It can potentiate the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure. Concomitant use of nitroglycerin and sildenafil is contraindicated due to the risk of significant hypotension, which can be life-threatening.

A. "Are you planning to obey the voices?" B. "Have you taken any hallucinogens?" C. "When did these voices begin?" D. "Do you believe the voices are real?"

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

This is the correct answer because it is the most relevant and respectful question to ask the client next. Asking about the onset of the voices can help the practical nurse (PN) determine the possible causes and triggers of the client's hallucinations, which are sensory perceptions that occur without external stimuli. Hallucinations can be caused by various factors, such as mental disorders, substance abuse, medication side eﬀects, physical illnesses, sleep deprivation, or stress. The PN should ask about the frequency, duration, and content of the voices, as well as the client's response to them. The PN should also assess the client's mood, behavior, cognition, and insight. The PN should use a calm, supportive, and nonjudgmental approach when communicating with the client who is experiencing hallucinations.

a) "Are you planning to obey the voices?"
This is not the correct answer because it is not a priority question to ask the client next. Asking about the client's intention to obey the voices can help the PN assess the risk of harm to self or others, which is an important aspect of safety. However, this question may also imply that the PN believes or validates the voices, which may reinforce the client's delusions or false beliefs. The PN should ask about the client's plan to obey the voices only after establishing rapport and trust with the client, and after assessing the nature and content of the voices.

b) "Have you taken any hallucinogens?"
This is not the correct answer because it is not a respectful question to ask the client next. Asking about the client's substance use can help the PN identify the possible causes of hallucinations, as some drugs such as LSD, psilocybin, or ketamine can induce hallucinogenic eﬀects. However, this question may also sound accusatory or confrontational, which may oﬀend or alienate the client. The PN should ask about the client's substance use in a sensitive and nonthreatening manner, and after obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality.

d) "Do you believe the voices are real?"
This is not the correct answer because it is not a helpful question to ask the client next. Asking about the client's belief in the reality of the voices can help the PN assess the level of insight or awareness that the client has about their condition. However, this question may also challenge or invalidate the client's perception, which may cause defensiveness or resistance. The PN should avoid arguing or disagreeing with the client about their hallucinations, as this may damage the therapeutic relationship. The PN should acknowledge and accept the client's experience without endorsing or reinforcing it.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client arrives at the emergency department with chest pain after taking sildenafil. Based on the client's history, which medication should the nurse withhold?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A college student brings his roommate to the clinic because the roommate has been talking to someone who is not present. The student tells the practical nurse (PN) that his roommate is acting strange. Which question should the PN ask the client next?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When performing a focused gastrointestinal system assessment, the practical nurse (PN) asks a male client when his last bowel movement occurred. The client answers, "Three days ago." Which action should the PN implement first?

A newly hired unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is assigned to a home healthcare team along with two experienced UAPs. Which intervention should the home health nurse implement to ensure adequate care for all clients?

A nurse is updating the plan of care for a client who has a pressure ulcer on the sacrum. Which of the following outcomes are appropriate for this client? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is administering tetracycline to a client who has acne vulgaris. The client tells the nurse that he usually takes calcium supplements with his meals. How should the nurse respond?

A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has been taking amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) for a bacterial respiratory tract infection. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to a possible adverse effect of this medication? (Select all that apply.).

A nurse is teaching a client who has a urinary tract infection (UTI) about trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The client asks why he needs to take two antibiotics together. What should the nurse say?

After a client receives a dose of albuterol, the nurse evaluates the medication's effects by auscultating the client's lung fields. Which action should the nurse take next based on the assessment?