A nurse is collecting data from the family members of a client who has Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify is the priority and requires immediate intervention?
Social withdrawal
Wandering outside at night
Difficulty articulating words
Inability to remember their partner's name
The Correct Answer is B
A) Social withdrawal: While social withdrawal can be a sign of depression or a worsening cognitive decline in clients with Alzheimer's disease, it does not immediately threaten the client's safety. It is important to monitor and address, but it is not the priority concern that requires immediate intervention.
B) Wandering outside at night: This is the priority issue and requires immediate intervention. Wandering, especially at night, poses a significant safety risk to clients with Alzheimer's disease. The client may become lost, disoriented, or fall, leading to injury. Immediate steps should be taken to ensure the environment is safe, such as installing locks or alarms on doors, and potentially seeking further evaluation or care interventions to manage this behavior.
C) Difficulty articulating words: Difficulty with speech or articulation can occur as part of Alzheimer's disease, especially in the later stages. While it can be distressing for the client and family, it does not present an immediate threat to the client's safety. This issue should be addressed as part of the overall care plan, but it is not as urgent as wandering.
D) Inability to remember their partner's name: Memory loss, including difficulty remembering names, is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease. While it can be emotionally difficult for both the client and their family, it does not pose an immediate risk to the client’s safety or well-being. This symptom should be monitored, but it is not the top priority for immediate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Administer granulocyte colony stimulating factor: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is used to stimulate white blood cell production in certain conditions like neutropenia. However, in an infant with HIV, the primary concern is the HIV progression and monitoring for complications rather than administering G-CSF. It is not routinely used for infants with HIV unless there is a specific indication such as neutropenia.
B) Monitor the infant's lymphocyte count: Monitoring the infant’s lymphocyte count is an appropriate and essential intervention. HIV affects the immune system by targeting CD4+ T lymphocytes, so tracking the lymphocyte count will help gauge the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of the treatment. It is vital to assess the infant’s immune status, as HIV can lead to a weakened immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.
C) Initiate droplet precautions: Droplet precautions are typically required for infections like influenza or certain respiratory illnesses. HIV is not transmitted via droplets; it is primarily transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Therefore, droplet precautions are not necessary for this infant.
D) Educate the infant's guardians about exchange transfusions: Exchange transfusions are generally not a routine intervention for infants with HIV unless there is a specific complication like severe hyperbilirubinemia or other hematologic conditions. The focus for infants with HIV is on managing antiretroviral therapy (ART) and preventing infections, rather than performing exchange transfusions. Educating the guardians about ART and infection prevention would be more appropriate.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Encourage the client to use overbed trapeze:
Encouraging the client to use an overbed trapeze is an appropriate intervention to promote independence and mobility after an above-the-knee amputation. The trapeze allows the client to move, reposition themselves, and perform activities of daily living more independently, which is important for regaining strength and confidence during the rehabilitation process. It aids in improving upper body strength and assists in early mobility efforts.
B) Maintain abduction of the client's residual limb with a pillow:
Placing a pillow under the residual limb in a position that maintains abduction (separation of the residual limb away from the body) is not recommended after an above-the-knee amputation. This position can lead to contractures of the hip joint, limiting mobility and the ability to use a prosthetic limb in the future. Proper positioning usually involves keeping the residual limb flat or neutral to avoid deformities.
C) Caution the client to avoid a prone position while in bed:
This recommendation is incorrect. In fact, encouraging the client to spend time in the prone position (lying on their stomach) can help prevent hip contractures, especially after an above-the-knee amputation. It is important for the client to position their body in ways that encourage proper limb alignment and prevent long-term complications such as contractures that could impede mobility.
D) Keep a loose, absorbent dressing over the client's surgical site:
A loose, absorbent dressing is not ideal for post-surgical care following an amputation. A dressing should be secure, sterile, and changed regularly to prevent infection and promote optimal wound healing. Keeping a dressing loose could lead to the risk of infection or delayed healing. The nurse should follow the provider’s orders for dressing changes and monitor for signs of infection.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.