A nurse in a rehabilitation unit is assessing a group of clients who have a traumatic brain injury. The nurse should identify that which of the following clients requires a priority referral?
A client who needs assistance when ambulating.
A client who consistently has difficulty using utensils while eating.
A client who has expressive aphasia.
A client who consistently coughs after drinking liquids.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale: Ambulation assistance is expected in rehabilitation. It reflects motor recovery needs but does not pose an immediate safety or health risk requiring urgent referral.
Choice B rationale: Difficulty using utensils indicates fine motor deficits. While important for occupational therapy, it’s not a priority compared to airway protection concerns.
Choice C rationale: Expressive aphasia affects communication but does not compromise physical safety or airway integrity. Speech therapy is appropriate but not urgent.
Choice D rationale: Coughing after drinking signals aspiration risk. This can lead to pneumonia or airway obstruction, requiring immediate referral to speech-language pathology for swallow evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased sensitivity to touch is not an expected physiological change associated with aging. Older adults often experience decreased sensitivity to touch due to changes in nerve endings and decreased skin elasticity. This can lead to decreased sensation rather than increased sensitivity.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased peripheral circulation is an expected physiological change associated with aging. With age, blood vessels can become less elastic and more narrow, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities. This can result in cold extremities, delayed wound healing, and increased vulnerability to skin breakdown. Nurses should assess for signs of impaired circulation in older adult clients and provide appropriate interventions to prevent complications.
Choice C rationale:
Decreased airway resistance is not an expected physiological change associated with aging. Older adults often experience increased airway resistance due to changes in lung elasticity and chest wall compliance. This can lead to decreased lung function and a higher risk of respiratory issues such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
Choice D rationale:
Increased appetite is not an expected physiological change associated with aging. In fact, many older adults experience a decrease in appetite due to factors such as changes in metabolism, decreased sense of taste and smell, and underlying health conditions. This reduced appetite can contribute to malnutrition and weight loss in the elderly population.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Metabolic acidosis would present with a pH below 7.35 and a low HCO3 level. This client's pH is elevated at 7.47, which indicates an alkalotic state rather than an acidic one.
Choice B rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a pH below 7.35 and a PaCO2 above 45 mm Hg. This client's results show the opposite: a high pH and a low PaCO2 level.
Choice C rationale: Metabolic alkalosis requires an elevated HCO3 (typically above 26 mEq/L) to be the primary cause of the high pH. Here, the HCO3 is 25 mEq/L, which is within the normal range.
Choice D rationale: Respiratory alkalosis is defined by a pH above 7.45 and a PaCO2 below 35 mm Hg. The client's pH of 7.47 and PaCO2 of 30 mm Hg perfectly fit this clinical diagnosis.
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