A nurse is caring for a client.
The nurse is assessing the client.
Select the 4 findings that require immediate follow-up.
Heart rate
Sleep pattern
Hallucinations
skin turgor
Hygiene
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
A. Heart rate. The client has a heart rate of 120/min, which is tachycardia and may indicate dehydration, mania-related hyperactivity, or a response to poor nutritional status. This requires immediate follow-up to assess for cardiovascular strain or fluid imbalance.
B. Sleep pattern. While lack of sleep is concerning and a clear symptom of mania, it is a behavioral health issue that typically does not require immediate physiological intervention unless it leads to severe exhaustion or psychosis. It should be addressed, but is not the top priority.
C. Hallucinations. The client is responding to internal stimuli, indicating active psychosis, which poses a safety risk to the client and others. Hallucinations require immediate intervention to stabilize mental health and prevent harm.
D. Skin turgor. Poor skin turgor suggests dehydration, which is a priority physiological concern, especially when paired with tachycardia and failure to recall last food intake. This finding indicates the need for fluid and electrolyte evaluation and possible replacement.
E. Hygiene. The client's unclean appearance reflects self-neglect, a common feature of psychiatric decompensation, and may indicate inability to meet basic needs. This requires prompt attention to prevent complications like infection and assess for functional impairment, though it is secondary to life-threatening physiological or safety concerns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. The client engages in quiet activities in their room. While this may seem positive, it is not a reliable indicator of improvement in this context. It could suggest withdrawal or sedation rather than clinical stabilization. Further assessment would be needed to determine its significance.
B. The client slept 5 hr the previous night. This is a clear sign of improvement. The client had not slept for 2 days previously, and sleep is one of the first indicators of recovery in clients experiencing mania. Restorative sleep helps stabilize mood and reduce disorganized thinking.
C. The client takes 2 short naps during the day. Napping indicates the client is able to rest voluntarily, which contrasts with their earlier constant movement and hyperactivity. This suggests reduced mania-related agitation and increased capacity for rest.
D. The client appears to listen to unseen others. This behavior reflects ongoing hallucinations, which indicate that the client is still experiencing active psychosis. This is not an improvement and suggests further monitoring and treatment adjustment may be needed.
E. The client consumes 8 oz of high-calorie fluids each hour. Adequate nutrition and hydration are key components of recovery, especially since the client had been unable to recall their last meal and showed signs of dehydration. This is a positive sign of improved self-care and physical stability.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Place an ice pack over the cast. While this can help reduce swelling and pain, it is a comfort measure, not the priority. Safety assessments must be completed first before implementing non-urgent interventions.
B. Position the casted extremity on a pillow. Elevation is important to reduce swelling, but it follows after ensuring that circulation to the extremity is intact and that there are no signs of vascular compromise.
C. Teach the client to keep the cast clean and dry. Education is essential for long-term cast care, but it is not the first action after cast application. Immediate post-procedural monitoring takes precedence.
D. Palpate the pulse distal to the cast. The nurse should first assess for adequate circulation by checking distal pulses. This helps identify early signs of complications like compartment syndrome or impaired blood flow, making it the highest priority.
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