A nurse in a provider's office is talking with an older adult client who tells the nurse that they fear they are "aging badly" and feel "so useless." Which of the following assessment questions is the nurse's priority?
"Did anything in particular make you feel this way?"
"Would you tell me more about the changes you see in your body?"
"Do you ever think about harming yourself?"
"How long have you had these feelings of uselessness?"
The Correct Answer is C
A. "Did anything in particular make you feel this way?" Understanding the cause of the client’s feelings is important, but assessing for immediate safety takes priority.
B. "Would you tell me more about the changes you see in your body?" Exploring the client’s perception of aging is useful, but it does not address potential risk for self-harm.
C. "Do you ever think about harming yourself?" This is the priority assessment question because feelings of worthlessness can indicate depression, which increases the risk of suicide in older adults. Assessing for self-harm ensures immediate safety.
D. "How long have you had these feelings of uselessness?" Identifying the duration of these feelings is relevant, but it is secondary to determining whether the client is at risk for self-harm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Reinserting the protruding intestinal tissue is inappropriate and can cause further injury or infection. The nurse should keep the tissue moist and protected until surgical intervention.
B. Placing the client in Trendelenburg position is incorrect because it does not reduce tension on the wound. Instead, the client should be placed in a low Fowler's position with knees slightly flexed to reduce strain.
C. Covering the wound with a sterile saline-soaked dressing is the priority action to keep the tissue moist and prevent further contamination or damage until the provider can intervene.
D. Monitoring vital signs every 30 minutes is important but not the priority action. The nurse should immediately cover the wound first, then monitor for signs of shock or infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Apply restraints if the client is agitated. Restraints are not necessary and may increase distress. Post-seizure agitation should be managed with reassurance and monitoring.
B. Ambulate the client. This is unsafe because the client may be disoriented or weak, increasing the risk of falls. Rest and recovery should be prioritized.
C. Position the client on their side. This helps maintain an open airway, prevents aspiration, and facilitates secretion drainage, making it the priority intervention.
D. Raise all of the side rails on the client's bed. Raising all four side rails is considered a restraint. A safer environment should be maintained without unnecessary restriction.
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