A primary caregiver of an older adult client calls the nurse at the outpatient clinic due to a sudden onset of changes in the client’s behavior.

The caregiver reports to the nurse that the client normally is oriented and able to answer Questions but now is confused.

What action(s) should the nurse take? Select all that apply.

Ask if the client is experiencing any pain with urination.

Encourage increased intake of high protein foods.

Review the client’s current food and medication allergies.

Determine if the client has recently experienced a fall.

Provide instruction on taking the client’s temperature.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,D,E

Choice A rationale
Sudden onset of confusion in an older adult could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can cause delirium and behavioral changes in older adults. Therefore, asking if the client is experiencing any pain with urination could help identify a potential UTI.
Choice B rationale
While high protein foods are generally beneficial for health, there is no direct link between increased intake of high protein foods and sudden onset of confusion. Therefore, this option is not the most appropriate action in this situation.
Choice C rationale
Reviewing the client’s current food and medication allergies is always important in healthcare settings. However, it may not directly address the sudden onset of confusion unless the client has had a recent change in diet or medication that could have triggered an allergic reaction leading to confusion.
Choice D rationale
A recent fall could potentially cause a sudden change in mental status due to a head injury or other trauma. Therefore, determining if the client has recently experienced a fall is an appropriate action.
Choice E rationale
Fever can cause confusion, especially in older adults. Therefore, providing instruction on taking the client’s temperature can help the caregiver monitor for signs of infection that could be contributing to the client’s confusion.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Monitoring the client’s white blood cell count is important in this case. An elevated white blood cell count is a common sign of infection, and regular monitoring can help assess the client’s response to treatment.
Choice B rationale
Implementing contact precautions for staff and visitors is crucial when caring for a client with a potential VRE infection. VRE is a multi-drug resistant organism that can be spread through direct contact, so strict infection control measures are necessary.
Choice C rationale
Using standard precautions and wearing a mask is generally good practice in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections. However, a mask is not specifically required for contact precautions with VRE456.
Choice D rationale
Explaining the purpose of a low bacteria diet is not relevant in this case. While diet can play a role in overall health and recovery, it is not a specific intervention for a client with a potential VRE infection.
Choice E rationale
Sending wound drainage for culture and sensitivity is an important step in confirming the presence of VRE and determining the most effective antibiotic therapy.

A. The patient’s currently prescribed medications. B. The increasing confusion of the patient. C. The patient’s healthcare power of attorney. D. The fall from a ladder as the reason for admission.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While the patient’s currently prescribed medications are important information, they are not the most immediate concern in this situation. The healthcare provider will need this information, but it does not need to be the first piece of information provided.

Choice B rationale
The increasing confusion of the patient is the most immediate concern and should be communicated first. Confusion and disorientation can be signs of a serious condition such as a brain injury, especially following a fall. It is crucial to relay this information to the healthcare provider as soon as possible so that appropriate diagnostic tests can be ordered and treatment can be initiated.
Choice C rationale
The patient’s healthcare power of attorney is important information, especially if the patient’s condition worsens and they are unable to make decisions for themselves. However, this information does not need to be communicated first. The immediate concern is the patient’s medical condition.
Choice D rationale
The fall from a ladder is certainly important information as it provides context for the patient’s current condition. However, it does not need to be the first piece of information provided. The healthcare provider will likely infer that a fall has occurred based on the other information provided (e.g., confusion, potential loss of consciousness).

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with a venous ulcer, which has not responded to intravenous vancomycin treatment and is discharging pus, has been admitted with a potential infection of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE). Which nursing interventions should be included in the care plan? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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