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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not a common adverse effect of morphine. Opioid medications are more likely to cause hypotension (low blood pressure).
Choice B Reason:
Lacrimation (excessive tearing) is not a typical adverse effect of morphine. Opioids can cause dry mouth and decreased tear production.
Choice C Reason:
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is not a common adverse effect of morphine. Morphine and other opioids are more likely to cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) or a decrease in heart rate.
Choice D Reason:
Urinary retention is an adverse effect associated with opioid medications like morphine. Opioids can cause relaxation of smooth muscles, including those in the urinary bladder, which can lead to difficulty or inability to urinate.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
d. Prothrombin time.
Explanation:
Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. Therefore, it is important to monitor the client's clotting ability to ensure that the medication is working properly and not causing any adverse effects.
The laboratory test that is used to monitor warfarin therapy is the prothrombin time (PT), which measures the time it takes for the blood to clot. The nurse should monitor the client's PT regularly and adjust the dosage of warfarin as necessary to maintain the therapeutic range.
Option a (Triiodothyronine) is a thyroid hormone and is not directly related to warfarin therapy.
Option b (Blood urea nitrogen) is a measure of kidney function and is also not directly related to warfarin therapy.
Option c (Arterial blood gases) is a measure of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood and is not related to warfarin therapy.
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