A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is assessing a client who has had a stroke. For which of the following findings should the nurse initiate a referral for occupational therapy?
Difficulty performing ADLs
Inability to swallow clear liquids
Elevated blood glucose levels
Unsteady gait when ambulating
The Correct Answer is A
A. Correct. Difficulty performing ADLs such as dressing, grooming, bathing, or feeding may indicate that the client has impaired motor function, sensory perception, or cognitive ability due to the stroke, which can affect their independence and quality of life. Occupational therapy can help the client regain or adapt their skills and abilities for daily living.
B. Incorrect. Inability to swallow clear liquids may indicate that the client has dysphagia or impaired swallowing function due to the stroke, which can increase their risk of aspiration and malnutrition. Speech therapy can help the client improve their swallowing function and provide recommendations for safe oral intake.
C. Incorrect. Elevated blood glucose levels may indicate that the client has diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose metabolism due to the stroke, which can affect their healing and recovery process and increase their risk of complications such as infection or hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia episodes. Diabetes education and management can help the client control their blood glucose levels and prevent adverse outcomes.
D. Incorrect. Unsteady gait when ambulating may indicate that the client has impaired balance, coordination, or muscle strength due to the stroke, which can affect their mobility and safety and increase their risk of falls or injuries. Physical therapy can help the client improve their gait and mobility and provide assistive devices if needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Perhaps you think the ECT is dangerous, but I've seen it have good results." This response is dismissive of the client's concerns and implies that the nurse knows better than the client.
B. "You have the right to change your mind about this procedure at any time." This response respects the client's autonomy and informs them of their rights.
C. "Everyone gets a little nervous about this procedure as the time for it approaches." This response minimizes the client's feelings and assumes that they are experiencing normal anxiety.
D. "Your doctor wouldn't have suggested ECT if they didn't think it would help you." This response shifts the responsibility to the doctor and does not address the client's fears.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. The nurse should initiate continuous cardiac monitoring because a magnesium level of 2.7 mEq/L indicates hypermagnesemia, which can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, hypotension, and bradycardia.
B. Incorrect. The nurse should not administer potassium chloride to a client who has hypermagnesemia because it can worsen the condition by increasing the intracellular magnesium level and decreasing the serum calcium level.
C. Incorrect. The nurse should not provide a diet rich in legumes, nuts, and green vegetables to a client who has hypermagnesemia because these foods are high in magnesium and can increase the serum magnesium level.
D. Incorrect. The nurse should not monitor the client for tetany because tetany is a sign of hypomagnesemia, not hypermagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia can cause neuromuscular excitability, muscle spasms, and positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs.
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