A homeless male who was found sitting in the middle of a busy street is brought to the emergency department (ED). On admission, the client is confused and has difficulty answering questions. After ruling out a physiological etiology for the client's behavior, he is transferred to the mental health unit. When admitting the client to the unit, which action is most important for the nurse to take?
Ask the client about his recent substance use.
Perform a mental status exam.
Assess the client from head-to-toe.
Determine the number of previous hospitalizations.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale: Asking the client about recent substance use is essential in assessing potential intoxication or withdrawal, which could contribute to the client's confused state. However, performing a mental status exam is the most important action to take.
Choice B rationale: The most important action for the nurse to take is to perform a mental status exam. This will help the nurse to assess the client's level of consciousness, orientation, memory, attention, mood, affect, thought process, and judgment. The mental status exam will also help the nurse to identify any signs of psychosis, delirium, dementia, or other mental disorders that may explain the client's behavior. Choice C rationale: Assessing the client from head-to-toe is a general nursing action but does not address the immediate need related to potential substance use. Choice D rationale: Determining the number of previous hospitalizations is relevant but does not address the current concern of substance use contributing to confusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Demonstrates thought-blocking is incorrect. Thought-blocking involves a sudden interruption in the client's speech, whereas the client in this scenario is experiencing racing thoughts.
Choice B rationale: Exhibits tangential thinking is the correct description. Tangential thinking involves presenting numerous ideas that are loosely or not at all connected. The client's statements reflect tangential thinking as she jumps from one idea to another without clear connections.
Choice C rationale: Displays the use of word salad is incorrect. Word salad refers to a mix of words and phrases that lack coherence and do not form a meaningful statement. The client's statements, though rapid, are connected and form a series of thoughts. Choice D rationale: Uses incoherent speech is incorrect. Incoherent speech implies a lack of clarity and organization in the client's verbal expression. The client's statements, while fast-paced, maintain coherence and are comprehensible.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Initiating an exercise program may be a helpful intervention, but the primary goal for this client following a drug overdose and romantic relationship issues is to return to the previous level of functioning.
Choice B rationale: Identifying positive personal traits is a positive goal but may not be the most immediate priority for this client.
Choice C rationale: Returning to the previous level of functioning is the primary goal for hospitalization. This goal involves restoring the client's ability to manage daily life and cope with stressors.
Choice D rationale: Describing what is needed in a romantic relationship is important, but the immediate focus is on the client's overall functioning and safety.
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