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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Placing a surgical mask on the client during transport is not the primary precaution for C. difficile infections. C. difficile is primarily transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces and not through respiratory droplets. Therefore, while masks may be used for other infections, they are not the main precaution for C. difficile.
Choice B reason: Using gown and gloves when entering the room is essential for preventing the spread of C. difficile. This infection is highly contagious and can be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces or feces. Gown and gloves provide a barrier that helps prevent the transmission of the bacteria to healthcare workers and other patients.

Choice C reason: Using an alcohol-based agent to perform hand hygiene is not effective against C. difficile spores. Hand washing with soap and water is recommended because it is more effective at removing the spores from the hands. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill C. difficile spores and should not be relied upon for hand hygiene in this context.
Choice D reason: Obtaining a blood specimen to test for C. difficile is not the standard diagnostic method. C. difficile infections are typically diagnosed through stool tests that detect the presence of the bacteria or its toxins. Blood tests are not used for diagnosing C. difficile infections.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: While chest physiotherapy can help mobilize secretions, it does not specifically promote the flow of secretions to the base of the lungs. The primary goal is to loosen and mobilize secretions so they can be coughed up and cleared from the airways. This helps improve overall lung function and oxygenation.
Choice B reason: Chest physiotherapy does not eliminate the need to cough. In fact, coughing is an essential part of the process as it helps expel the loosened secretions from the airways. The therapy aims to make coughing more effective by loosening the mucus.
Choice C reason: The primary purpose of chest physiotherapy with percussion and vibration is to help clear the airways of excessive secretions. This is particularly important for patients with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or pneumonia, where mucus buildup can obstruct the airways and impair breathing. By loosening and mobilizing the secretions, the therapy facilitates their removal through coughing.
Choice D reason: Chest physiotherapy does not limit the production of bronchial mucus. It focuses on clearing existing mucus from the airways rather than reducing its production. The production of mucus is influenced by underlying conditions and may require other treatments to manage.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.