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 C
Explanation
Iron supplementation commonly causes constipation, which is due to the iron's effect of slowing down bowel movements and increasing water absorption in the intestines.
Dry mouth is not a common adverse effect of iron supplementation. It is more commonly associated with medications that can cause xerostomia (dry mouth), such as certain antihistamines or anticholinergic drugs.
Tinnitus, a perception of ringing or noise in the ears, is not typically associated with iron supplementation. Tinnitus can be caused by various factors, such as exposure to loud noises, ear infections, or certain medications, but it is not directly related to iron supplementation.
Hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine, is not a common adverse effect of iron supplementation. It can be caused by various conditions affecting the urinary system, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or bladder issues, but it is not directly related to iron supplementation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Clammy skin is incorrect. DKA is more likely to cause dry or flushed skin due to dehydration and the effects of high blood sugar levels. Clammy skin is usually associated with conditions that cause excessive sweating.
Choice B Reason:
Bounding pulse is incorrect. DKA can lead to tachycardia (a rapid heart rate) as the body tries to compensate for the metabolic imbalances, but a bounding pulse is not a characteristic finding of DKA.
Choice C Reason:
Elevated blood pressure is incorrect. DKA is more likely to result in an initial decrease in blood pressure due to dehydration. Elevated blood pressure may be present in other conditions but is not a primary feature of DKA.
Choice D Reason:
Fruity breath odor is correct. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes characterized by a buildup of ketones in the blood, which results from the body breaking down fat for energy due to a lack of insulin. Fruity breath odor, often described as smelling like acetone or nail polish remover, is a classic sign of DKA. It occurs because the presence of ketones in the blood leads to the exhalation of acetone through the breath.
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