A client with a history of dementia has become increasingly confused at night and is picking at an abdominal surgical dressing and the tape securing the intravenous (IV) line. The abdominal dressing is no longer occlusive, and the IV insertion site is pink. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Replace the IV catheter with a smaller gauge
Apply soft bilateral wrist restraints
Leave the light on in the room at night
Redress the abdominal incision
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is: c. Leave the light on in the room at night.
Choice A: Replace the IV catheter with a smaller gauge
Replacing the IV catheter with a smaller gauge is not directly addressing the issue of the client’s confusion and agitation. While a smaller gauge might be less irritating, it does not solve the problem of the client picking at the IV site. The pinkness at the IV site suggests mild irritation or early signs of phlebitis, which can be managed by monitoring and ensuring proper securement and care of the IV site.
Choice B: Apply soft bilateral wrist restraints
Applying wrist restraints should be a last resort due to the potential for causing distress, agitation, and physical harm to the patient. Restraints can lead to negative outcomes such as decreased circulation, pressure ulcers, and increased agitation, especially in patients with dementia. It is generally recommended to use less restrictive measures first.
Choice C: Leave the light on in the room at night
Leaving the light on in the room at night can help reduce confusion and agitation in patients with dementia, a phenomenon known as “sundowning.” Adequate lighting can help the patient feel more oriented and less anxious, which may reduce the likelihood of them picking at dressings and IV lines. This intervention directly addresses the patient’s nighttime confusion and agitation.
Choice D: Redress the abdominal incision
Redressing the abdominal incision is necessary to ensure the dressing is occlusive and to prevent infection. However, this action alone does not address the underlying issue of the patient’s confusion and agitation, which is causing them to pick at the dressing. While important, it should be part of a broader strategy to manage the patient’s behavior.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Determining the need for urinary catheterization is not a task that the nurse should assign to the PN, as this requires clinical judgment and critical thinking, which are beyond the scope of practice of the PN. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B: Titrating oxygen to prescribed parameters is a task that the nurse can assign to the PN, as this involves following orders and protocols, which are within the scope of practice of the PN. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice C: Receiving a postoperative client and conducting the assessment is not a task that the nurse should assign to the PN, as this requires initial assessment and data collection, which are the responsibility of the registered nurse. This is another distractor choice.
Choice D: Evaluating and updating plans of care for clients is not a task that the nurse should assign to the PN, as this requires nursing diagnosis and outcome identification, which are part of the nursing process that only the registered nurse can perform. This is another distractor choice.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Straining all urine is not a relevant instruction for the nurse to provide, as this is not related to prostatitis. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B: Maintaining contact isolation is not a necessary instruction for the nurse to provide, as prostatitis is not a contagious condition. This is another distractor choice.
Choice C: Avoiding urinary catheterization is an important instruction for the nurse to provide, as this can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract and worsen the infection. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice D: Restricting oral fluid intake is not an appropriate instruction for the nurse to provide, as this can lead to dehydration and reduced urine output, which can increase the risk of urinary stasis and infection. This is another distractor choice.
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