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?
Swallowing ability
Changes in appetite
Prescribed medications
Daily fluid intake
The Correct Answer is A
A: Swallowing ability is crucial because ALS often leads to dysphagia, which can cause weight loss due to difficulty eating and the risk of aspiration.
B: Changes in appetite are important but secondary to physical ability to eat safely.
C: While knowing about prescribed medications is necessary, it does not directly address the issue of weight loss as critically as swallowing ability.
D: Fluid intake is important but the priority is assessing the ability to swallow safely, which directly impacts nutritional status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While revising the current policy for catheter care may be necessary, it is not the first step in addressing the increase in infections. Understanding the factors contributing to the infections is crucial before policy revision.
B. Identifying possible precipitating factors related to the infections is the first step in addressing the issue. This involves investigating the circumstances surrounding the infections to determine potential causes and contributing factors.
C. While staff training is important, scheduling training before understanding the root cause of the infections may not effectively address the problem.
D. Meeting with providers to discuss measures to decrease infections may be necessary, but it should occur after identifying the precipitating factors to ensure targeted and effective interventions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Fever is a common manifestation of bacterial pneumonia, as it indicates the body's immune response to infection. Other typical symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and sputum production.
B. Drooling is not typically associated with bacterial pneumonia but may occur in conditions such as epiglottitis or aspiration pneumonia.
C. Tinnitus is not a characteristic manifestation of bacterial pneumonia but may occur with other conditions affecting the ear.
D. Steatorrhea refers to fatty stools and is not associated with pneumonia.
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