A female client is admitted with complaints of abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and a weight loss of 25 pounds (11 kg) in the last four months. During the admission assessment, the client tells the nurse that she has no interest in playing cards with her friends anymore and feels worthless most days. Which nursing problem should the nurse address first?

Anxiety as evidenced by abdominal complaints secondary to depression.

Imbalanced nutrition as evidenced by 25 pound (11 kg) weight loss in four months.

Chronic low self-esteem as evidenced by feelings of worthlessness.

Risk for self-directed violence as evidenced by feelings of hopelessness.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The client's statement of feeling worthless most days and having no interest in activities she previously enjoyed indicates a potential risk for self-directed violence, including self-harm or suicidal ideation. These signs are significant and require immediate attention and intervention by the nurse.

Assessing and addressing the client's risk for self-directed violence is of utmost importance to ensure her safety and well-being. The nurse should initiate a thorough assessment of the client's mental health, including assessing for any suicidal ideation, intent, or plans. It is crucial to establish a supportive and non-judgmental environment for the client to express her feelings and concerns.

The nurse should collaborate with the healthcare team to develop an appropriate care plan that may involve interventions such as close observation, involving a mental health professional, implementing safety measures, and providing emotional support.

While addressing other nursing problems, such as anxiety, imbalanced nutrition, and chronic low self-esteem, is important, the immediate concern is the client's risk for self-directed violence due to her feelings of hopelessness.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

A) Correct- Weighing the client and reporting any weight gain is a routine measurement that can be safely performed by the UAP. Weight gain can be an important indicator of fluid retention, a common issue in Cushing's syndrome.
B) Correct- Reporting any client complaints of pain or discomfort is important for monitoring the client's well-being and promptly addressing any potential issues.
C) Incorrect- Evaluating the client for sleep disturbances involves assessing the client's sleep patterns, quality, and potential disruptions. This requires nursing judgment and a deeper understanding of the client's condition and potential contributing factors, so it's not appropriate to delegate this task to the UAP.
D) Correct- Noting and reporting the client's food and liquid intake during meals and snacks is part of monitoring the client's nutritional status, which is an appropriate task for the UAP.
E) Incorrect- Assessing the client for weakness and fatigue involves a more comprehensive evaluation of the client's physical and physiological status, which requires nursing expertise. The nurse should directly assess and interpret these symptoms in the context of Cushing's syndrome to provide appropriate interventions.

A. Explain to the UAP that changes in a client's condition should be reported immediately. B. Advise the UAP to stop providing care so the nurse can assess the client's condition. C C. Ask the UAP to position the client so the oral medications can be administered. D. Determine why the UAP did not notify the nurse of the change in the client's condition.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Incorrect- While it's important for UAPs to report changes in a client's condition, the immediate priority is to assess and address the deteriorating condition of the client. The nurse's first action should be to stop the current care being provided and assess the client.
B) Correct- In this situation, the priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. The client's deteriorated condition needs to be assessed promptly by a licensed nurse to determine the appropriate interventions. Stopping the care being provided by the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) allows the nurse to focus on the client's immediate needs.
C) Incorrect- Administering oral medications is not the immediate priority in this situation. The client's deteriorating condition takes precedence over administering medications.
D) Incorrect- While investigating the situation and addressing communication gaps is important, the first priority is to assess and address the client's current condition. The nurse needs to take immediate action to ensure the client's safety and well-being.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is managing the care of a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which intervention(s) should the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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