A nurse is caring for a client brought to the emergency room. The client’s caregiver reports the client had a sudden onset of confusion. Which intervening technique by the nurse is most appropriate to evaluate mentation for this client?
Ask close-ended questions.
Ask open-ended questions.
Use directive questions.
Use reflective questions.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Ask close-ended questions is incorrect. Close-ended questions typically elicit short, specific responses such as “yes” or “no.” While they can be useful in certain situations, they do not provide enough information to thoroughly assess a client’s mental status. Open-ended questions allow the client to express themselves more fully, providing the nurse with better insight into their cognitive function.
Choice B Reason:
Ask open-ended questions is correct. Open-ended questions encourage the client to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings, which can reveal more about their mental status. This type of questioning helps the nurse assess the client’s orientation, memory, and thought processes more effectively.
Choice C Reason:
Use directive questions is incorrect. Directive questions are more structured and guide the client towards specific answers. While they can be useful for obtaining specific information, they do not allow for a comprehensive assessment of the client’s mental status.
Choice D Reason:
Use reflective questions is incorrect. Reflective questions are used to encourage the client to think more deeply about their responses and feelings. While they can be helpful in therapeutic settings, they are not the most effective for an initial assessment of mental status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Use good body mechanics is correct. Good body mechanics involve using the body in an efficient and careful way to prevent injury. This includes bending at the knees instead of the waist, keeping the back straight, and using the legs to lift heavy objects. Proper body mechanics reduce the strain on the back and joints, preventing injuries.
Choice B Reason:
Maintain proper posture is also important but is part of using good body mechanics. Proper posture involves keeping the spine in a neutral position, avoiding slouching, and ensuring that the head is aligned with the spine. This helps distribute weight evenly and reduces the risk of injury.
Choice C Reason:
Use assistive devices is correct. Assistive devices such as transfer boards, mechanical lifts, and gait belts can help reduce the physical strain on nurses when moving or lifting patients. These devices are designed to make tasks safer and easier, thereby minimizing the risk of back and joint injuries.
Choice D Reason:
Stay physically fit is also important. Physical fitness helps maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance, which are crucial for performing physically demanding tasks. Regular exercise can help prevent injuries by improving overall body mechanics and reducing fatigue.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
“Prevents pressure ulcers” is incorrect. While positioning can help prevent pressure ulcers, the orthopneic position is specifically used to aid in breathing rather than to prevent pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are typically managed by regularly repositioning the client and using pressure-relieving devices.
Choice B Reason:
“Supports hip extension” is incorrect. The orthopneic position does not primarily support hip extension. This position involves sitting up and leaning forward, which does not significantly affect the hips.
Choice C Reason:
“Facilitates breathing” is correct. The orthopneic position, also known as the tripod position, helps to improve breathing in clients with COPD. By leaning forward and resting the arms on a table or knees, the diaphragm can move more freely, and accessory muscles of respiration are better utilized, reducing the work of breathing.

Choice D Reason:
“Promotes urinary elimination” is incorrect. The orthopneic position is not intended to promote urinary elimination. Urinary elimination is typically managed through other interventions such as ensuring adequate hydration and, if necessary, using a catheter.
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