A home health nurse is assessing a client who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and has had recent weight loss. Which of the following is the priority admission data for the nurse to obtain?
Changes in appetite
Prescribed medications
Daily fluid intake
wallowing ability
The Correct Answer is D
A) Changes in appetite: While changes in appetite are important to assess, they are not the most immediate concern for a client with ALS who is experiencing weight loss. Appetite changes can contribute to weight loss, but other factors may be more critical.
B) Prescribed medications: Knowing the client’s prescribed medications is essential for overall care, but it is not the priority when addressing recent weight loss in a client with ALS. Medications can affect appetite and weight, but immediate physical concerns should be prioritized.
C) Daily fluid intake: Assessing daily fluid intake is important for hydration status, but it is not the priority in this scenario. Ensuring adequate fluid intake is necessary, but it does not directly address the potential complications related to weight loss in ALS.
D) Swallowing ability: Swallowing ability is the priority admission data to obtain for a client with ALS who has had recent weight loss. ALS can affect the muscles involved in swallowing, leading to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). This can result in inadequate nutrition and hydration, as well as an increased risk of aspiration. Assessing swallowing ability helps identify the need for interventions such as dietary modifications, swallowing therapy, or alternative feeding methods to ensure the client’s safety and nutritional needs are met.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Schedule nursing staff training for infection control procedures: While staff training is important for reducing infection rates, it is a secondary step. First, understanding the underlying factors contributing to the increase in catheter infections is crucial.
B) Identify possible precipitating factors related to the infections: This action should be the priority. By identifying the specific causes or trends associated with the increase in infections, the charge nurse can target interventions more effectively and implement changes based on evidence.
C) Meet with providers to discuss measures to decrease the infections: Engaging providers is important, but it should occur after identifying the root causes. Once the contributing factors are understood, a more focused discussion can take place.
D) Revise the current policy for catheter care: While policy revision may be necessary, it is essential to first assess the current situation to understand why the infections are occurring. Without identifying the factors first, changes made may not address the actual issues at hand.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Noting changes in the treatment plan in the client's medical record: While this is important for continuity of care, it may not directly facilitate communication among staff in real-time or promote a collaborative approach.
B) Recording the client's progress in the nurses' notes: Documenting progress is essential, but it serves more as a record of care rather than an active communication tool among the team members.
C) Posting swallowing precautions at the head of the client's bed: This helps ensure that all staff are aware of the precautions, but it does not promote a broader dialogue about the client's overall care and communication needs.
D) Having interdisciplinary team meetings for the client on a regular basis: This is the correct answer. Regular interdisciplinary meetings encourage collaborative communication, allowing various healthcare professionals to discuss the client’s needs, share observations, and develop a cohesive care plan, which is especially important for clients with communication barriers like expressive aphasia.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
