A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has acute delirium. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Determine the client's level of consciousness
Administer an anxiolytic medication.
Keep lights on in the client's room.
Encourage visits from family members.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Determining the client's level of consciousness is correct. Delirium is characterized by a sudden change in mental status, including altered consciousness, confusion, and impaired attention. Assessing the client's level of consciousness helps the nurse understand the severity of the condition and whether the client is experiencing any immediate risks.
Choice B Reason:
Administer an anxiolytic medication is incorrect. Medication administration should not be the first action because the nurse needs to assess the client's condition first to determine if medication is appropriate. Additionally, the underlying cause of the delirium should be identified and treated if possible.
Choice C Reason:
Keep lights on in the client's room is incorrect. While maintaining proper lighting can be important for safety, it is not the first action because it doesn't address the underlying cause or assess the client's level of consciousness.
Choice D Reason:
Encouraging visits from family members is incorrect. Involving family members can provide emotional support, but it's not the first action because the client's condition should be assessed and stabilized before involving others in care.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
b. This must be very frightening for you. Let's talk more about it.
It is important for the nurse to acknowledge the client's fears and show empathy towards them. By saying "This must be very frightening for you," the nurse validates the client's feelings and shows that they are being heard.
Additionally, by suggesting that they talk more about it, the nurse can work towards building a therapeutic relationship with the client and gain more insight into their thought processes.
The other options are not appropriate because:
a. The nurse should not deny the client's beliefs or try to convince them that they are wrong. This can cause
the client to feel invalidated and may make them less likely to trust the nurse.
c. While it is important to understand the client's perspective, this question may come off as confrontational and accusatory.
d. Similarly, this question may be perceived as confrontational and may make the client defensive. It is important to approach the client with empathy and understanding rather than skepticism.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Limiting fluid intake to 750 mL per day is not recommended, as adequate hydration is essential for overall health. The client should maintain good hydration unless specifically advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
Choice B Reason:
Cleansing the neck by rubbing with a washcloth may be too harsh for the irradiated skin. The skin in the radiation field can become sensitive and may require gentle cleansing with mild soap and patting dry, rather than rubbing.
Choice C Reason:
Eating three large meals each day may not be suitable for all clients undergoing radiation therapy, especially if they are experiencing side effects such as difficulty swallowing or changes in taste. Dietary recommendations should be individualized based on the client's specific needs and symptoms. Smaller, more frequent meals may be more manageable for some clients.
Choice D Reason:
Avoiding exposing the neck to the cold is correct. When providing instructions to a client undergoing radiation therapy to the neck, it's important to emphasize the need to protect the treated area from extreme temperature changes. Exposure to cold temperatures can cause vasoconstriction and potentially lead to tissue damage in the irradiated area. Therefore, advising the client to avoid exposing the neck to cold is a vital precaution.
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