A nurse is providing care for a client who has delirium in the intensive care unit. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first to prevent client injury?
Apply soft restraints to wrists and chest.
Administer antipsychotic medications as prescribed.
Administer sedative medications as prescribed.
Arrange for one-on-one observation for the client.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Apply soft restraints to wrists and chest: Using restraints should only be considered as a last resort and should not be the first intervention for managing delirium. Restraints can exacerbate agitation and increase the risk of complications such as skin breakdown, musculoskeletal injury, and psychological distress. Therefore, applying restraints should not be the first action taken by the nurse.
B. Administer antipsychotic medications as prescribed: While antipsychotic medications may be used to manage symptoms of delirium in some cases, they should not be the first intervention for preventing client injury. Additionally, the use of antipsychotics in the ICU requires careful consideration due to potential adverse effects, such as sedation, hypotension, and prolongation of the QT interval. The decision to administer antipsychotic medications should be based on a comprehensive assessment and in consultation with the healthcare team.
C. Administer sedative medications as prescribed: Administering sedative medications may help calm an agitated client with delirium, but it should not be the first intervention for preventing client injury. Sedatives can further impair cognition and increase the risk of falls or other complications. Like antipsychotic medications, the use of sedatives should be based on a thorough assessment and in collaboration with the healthcare team, rather than being the initial action taken by the nurse.
D. Arrange for one-on-one observation for the client: Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a serious condition that can lead to confusion, disorientation, and an increased risk of injury to the client. The priority intervention for preventing client injury in this situation is to ensure constant monitoring and supervision. By arranging for one-on-one observation, the nurse can provide continuous monitoring of the client's behavior, assess for changes or signs of agitation, and intervene promptly to prevent falls or other injuries.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Pericardiocentesis: Pericardiocentesis is a procedure used to drain fluid from the pericardial sac, typically performed in cases of pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade. It is not indicated for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which involves structural abnormalities of the heart muscle rather than pericardial fluid accumulation.
B. Septal myectomy: Septal myectomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), a subtype of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy characterized by thickening of the interventricular septum and dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Septal myectomy involves the surgical removal of a portion of the hypertrophied septum to relieve left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and improve symptoms.
C. Pericardial window: A pericardial window is a surgical procedure used to create a communication between the pericardial sac and the pleural space, typically performed in cases of recurrent pericardial effusion or tamponade to prevent fluid re-accumulation. It is not indicated for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
D. Synchronized electrical cardioversion: Synchronized electrical cardioversion is a procedure used to restore normal sinus rhythm in patients with certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. It is not typically indicated for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, although patients with HCM may develop arrhythmias as a complication.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I can't get out of bed because the room is spinning": The sensation of vertigo, or the perception of spinning or movement when there is none, is a hallmark symptom of Meniere's disease. This sensation is often severe and can be debilitating, leading to difficulty with balance and mobility. Therefore, the client's statement indicating that they cannot get out of bed due to the room spinning is consistent with manifestations of Meniere's disease.
B. "I did feel some fluid dripping from my ear when I laid down": While fluid leakage from the ear can be a symptom of various ear conditions, such as otitis externa or otitis media, it is not typically associated with Meniere's disease. Meniere's disease is characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, rather than fluid leakage.
C. "Sometimes I feel slightly dizzy when I am in a loud restaurant": Feeling slightly dizzy in a loud environment may suggest sensitivity to noise (phonophobia) or a mild form of dizziness such as disequilibrium, but it is not specific to Meniere's disease. Meniere's disease typically presents with severe episodes of vertigo rather than mild dizziness.
D. "I often feel like I have cotton balls in my ears": The sensation of having cotton balls in the ears may indicate a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears, which is a common symptom of Meniere's disease. However, this symptom alone is not sufficient to diagnose Meniere's disease, as it can also occur in other conditions affecting the middle ear, such as eustachian tube dysfunction or otitis media. Additionally, Meniere's disease is primarily characterized by vertigo, not just ear fullness or pressure.
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