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:
Cardiac monitoring involves the continuous observation of the heart’s electrical activity, typically using an electrocardiogram (ECG). While cardiac monitoring is essential for detecting arrhythmias and other cardiac events, it does not directly measure fluid retention. Fluid retention in CHF patients can lead to symptoms such as edema and weight gain, which are not directly assessed through cardiac monitoring.
Choice B Reason:
Daily weight measurement is a reliable and practical method for assessing fluid retention in clients with congestive heart failure. Fluid retention leads to an increase in body weight, and monitoring daily weight changes can help detect fluid accumulation early. A sudden weight gain of more than 2-3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week is a significant indicator of fluid retention and worsening heart failure. This method is non-invasive, easy to perform, and provides valuable information for managing CHF.

Choice C Reason:
Blood pressure monitoring is crucial for managing clients with CHF, as hypertension can exacerbate heart failure. However, blood pressure readings alone do not provide a direct measure of fluid retention. While fluid overload can affect blood pressure, it is not a specific or sensitive indicator of fluid status. Blood pressure monitoring should be used in conjunction with other assessment tools to manage CHF effectively.
Choice D Reason:
Urine output measurement is an important parameter for assessing kidney function and fluid balance. In clients with CHF, reduced urine output can indicate worsening heart failure and fluid retention. However, urine output alone may not provide a complete picture of fluid status, especially if the client is on diuretic therapy. Daily weight measurement remains a more direct and reliable method for assessing fluid retention in CHF patients.
Correct Answer is ["3"]
Explanation
Step-by-Step Calculation:
Step 1: Determine the dose required.
- Dose required = 1.5 mg
Step 2: Determine the dose available per tablet.
- Dose available per tablet = 0.5 mg
Step 3: Calculate the number of tablets needed.
- Number of tablets = Dose required ÷ Dose available per tablet
- Number of tablets = 1.5 mg ÷ 0.5 mg/tablet
Step 4: Perform the division.
- 1.5 ÷ 0.5 = 3
Result: The nurse should administer 3 tablets.
Therefore, the nurse should administer 3 tablets.
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