A patient is brought to the emergency department after falling from a ladder and is exhibiting signs of confusion and disorientation.
The spouse reports that the patient seemed to have lost consciousness.
The nurse has been provided with a list of current medications and healthcare power of attorney.
When reporting to the healthcare provider using SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication, which information should the nurse provide first?
The patient’s currently prescribed medications.
The increasing confusion of the patient.
The patient’s healthcare power of attorney.
The fall from a ladder as the reason for admission.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While it’s important to know the patient’s current medications as they can influence the patient’s condition and treatment plan, this information is not the most critical to convey first in this situation.
Choice B rationale
The increasing confusion of the patient is a significant symptom, especially after a fall. It could indicate a possible head injury. However, the cause of the confusion (the fall) should be communicated first.
Choice C rationale
Knowing who holds the patient’s healthcare power of attorney is important, especially if the patient’s condition worsens and decisions need to be made on their behalf. However, this information is not the most critical to convey first.
Choice D rationale
The fall from a ladder as the reason for admission is the most important information to provide first. This gives the healthcare provider immediate context about the potential severity and type of injuries, guiding further assessment and treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While seizure precautions are important for clients receiving certain medications or with certain conditions, they are not typically necessary for clients receiving dopamine. Dopamine, an adrenergic agonist, does not typically increase the risk of seizures.
Choice B rationale
Assessing pupillary response to light hourly is not typically necessary for clients receiving dopamine. Dopamine does not typically affect pupillary response.
Choice C rationale
Measuring urinary output every hour is an important intervention for a client receiving dopamine. Dopamine at low to moderate doses can dilate renal blood vessels, which can increase urine output. Therefore, monitoring urinary output can help assess the effectiveness of the medication and the client’s renal perfusion.
Choice D rationale
While it is important to monitor electrolyte levels in clients receiving certain medications, frequent monitoring of serum potassium is not typically necessary for clients receiving dopamine. Dopamine does not typically affect serum potassium levels.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. They can include: Pain in the joint during or after use, or after periods of inactivity, Tenderness in the joint when you apply light pressure to or near it, Stiffness in the joint, that may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity, Loss of flexibility in the joint, Grating sensation or sound when you use the joint. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of osteoarthritis.
Choice B rationale
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: Tender, warm, swollen joints, Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity, Fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. The client’s symptoms align with those of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Choice C rationale
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling and other symptoms in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a compressed nerve in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. The anatomy of your wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive hand motions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Choice D rationale
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It’s characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe. An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the sheet on it may seem intolerable. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of Gout.
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