A nurse is caring for an older adult client who was alert and oriented at admission but now seems increasingly restless and intermittently confused. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to address the client's safety needs?
Administer medication to sedate the client.
Call the family and ask them to stay with the client.
Apply wrist and leg restraints to the client.
Move the client to a room closer to the nurses' station.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Administering medication to sedate the client is not the appropriate initial action. The client's confusion and restlessness could be due to various factors, and administering sedative medication without identifying the cause of these symptoms could lead to adverse effects or mask underlying issues.
Choice B rationale:
Calling the family to stay with the client might provide emotional support, but it doesn't directly address the client's safety needs. The client's increasing confusion and restlessness require a more immediate intervention to ensure their safety.
Choice C rationale:
Applying wrist and leg restraints should be a last resort and is not the appropriate initial action in this situation. Restraints should only be used if less restrictive interventions have failed and the client's safety is at risk. Restraints can lead to complications such as decreased mobility, skin breakdown, and increased agitation.
Choice D rationale:
Correct Choice Moving the client to a room closer to the nurses' station is the most appropriate action in this scenario. This intervention helps to increase the client's visibility and proximity to nursing staff, making it easier to monitor and address their needs promptly. It also promotes a safer environment while allowing the healthcare team to assess the underlying causes of the restlessness and confusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"This is supposed to happen when you get old, right?" is a common misconception but doesn't necessarily support the diagnosis of delirium. It could be attributed to normal aging changes.
Choice B rationale:
"Since his mother died, he has not been feeling well." indicates a potential stressor but doesn't directly address the rapid onset of behavioral changes, which is a hallmark of delirium.
Choice C rationale:
"My husband just didn't seem to know what he was doing. He has been forgetful for years." suggests a history of forgetfulness rather than an acute change in behavior, which is more indicative of chronic cognitive issues like dementia.
Choice D rationale:
(Correct) "The changes in his behavior came on so quickly! I wasn't sure what was happening." This statement supports the diagnosis of delirium, which is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion and changes in cognitive function. Delirium often develops rapidly, and the client's wife's observation aligns with this diagnostic criterion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: "Remain with the client in his room for a while."
Choice D rationale:
This choice is the correct answer because when a client is experiencing panic-level anxiety, their immediate need is for support and reassurance. Staying with the client helps establish a sense of safety and demonstrates the nurse's presence, which can help reduce anxiety. Providing a calming and supportive presence is a therapeutic nursing intervention in this situation.
Choice A rationale:
Medicating the client with a sedative might be appropriate in some cases of severe anxiety, but it should not be the first action taken. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as offering emotional support, should be prioritized before resorting to medication.
Choice B rationale:
Joining a therapy group might be beneficial for the client in the future, but during the acute phase of panic-level anxiety, the client might not be in a state to actively participate and engage in group therapy. Immediate individual attention is necessary.
Choice C rationale:
While suggesting that the client rest in bed could be helpful for relaxation, it might not be sufficient to address the intensity of panic-level anxiety. The client might not be able to rest or calm down without more direct support from the nurse.
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