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 ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A.The client's weight has remained relatively stable (83.9 kg to 83 kg), which does not indicate an immediate health concern compared to the acute behavioral and mental health symptoms observed.
B. While the client's neurostatus (mental status) is affected by the presence of auditory hallucinations, pressured speech, and restlessness, these symptoms are more critical in terms of immediate management than a general assessment of neurologic status.
C. Auditory hallucinations, such as appearing to listen to unseen others, are concerning symptoms indicating possible exacerbation of schizophrenia or medication non-compliance. Immediate assessment and intervention by mental health professionals are needed.
D.Pressured speechis commonly seen in mania or anxiety.Poverty of speechcan be associated with shyness, depression, schizophrenia, or cognitive impairment. Pressured speech noted along with other symptoms can indicate agitation or worsening of mental health symptoms. It suggests the client may be experiencing an acute phase of their illness, requiring evaluation and possibly adjustment of medications.
E. Restlessness, frequently getting out of the chair, and appearing tired and disheveled indicate agitation and potential agitation or anxiety. This could be a sign of increased agitation, anxiety, or distress, which needs immediate attention to prevent escalation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Face is incorrect: Facial skin colour can vary for many reasons, but it may not be the best indicator of jaundice in individuals with dark skin.
Choice B reason
Shoulders is incorrect: The shoulders are not typically indicative of jaundice.
Choice C reason:
Palm of the hands is incorrect: While the palm of the hands can sometimes show yellowing in cases of jaundice, it is less reliable than observing the sclera.
Choice D reason:
Sclera is the best location. In individuals with darker skin tones, yellowish discoloration of the skin due to jaundice can be more challenging to detect. However, the sclera of the eyes can still show noticeable yellowing, making it a reliable location for assessing jaundice in individuals with both light and dark skin.

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