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 D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While a case management evaluation of the client’s home environment could potentially identify areas for improvement, it may not directly address the caregiver’s immediate need for relief from their caregiving responsibilities. The caregiver is experiencing sleepless nights and frequent bouts of crying, which could be signs of caregiver burnout or depression. Therefore, immediate respite care may be more beneficial.

Choice B rationale
Employing a private duty nurse for respite could provide temporary relief for the caregiver. However, this option might not be feasible due to potential financial constraints. Additionally, it may not provide the caregiver with the emotional support they may need.

Choice C rationale
Proposing that extended family could relocate to the area to provide support is a potential long-term solution. However, it may not be feasible or practical for extended family members to relocate. This option also does not address the caregiver’s immediate need for relief and support.

Choice D rationale

Advising the caregiver to contact social services to locate a respite care facility for the client could provide the caregiver with the immediate relief they need. Respite care facilities offer temporary relief for caregivers by providing short-term care for the individual they are caring for. This would allow the caregiver to rest and take care of their own needs, which could help alleviate their symptoms of sleepless nights and frequent bouts of crying.

A. Test the fluid on the dressing for glucose. B. Replace the dressing using a compression bandage. C. Mark the drainage area with a pen and continue monitoring. D. Document the findings in the electronic medical record.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Testing the fluid on the dressing for glucose is the immediate action the nurse should take. Clear fluid could be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is often released following spinal surgery. CSF contains glucose, so a positive glucose test would confirm it is CSF.
Choice B rationale
Replacing the dressing using a compression bandage is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While it is important to manage the drainage and prevent infection, the nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is.
Choice C rationale
Marking the drainage area with a pen and continuing to monitor is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While this can be part of ongoing wound care and monitoring, the nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is.

Choice D rationale
Documenting the findings in the electronic medical record is an important step, but it should not be the immediate action. The nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is, as it could indicate a complication from the surgery.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A caregiver brings a client with end-stage Alzheimer’s disease to the clinic for an appointment with the healthcare provider. The caregiver confides in the nurse about experiencing sleepless nights and frequent bouts of crying. What action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse notices the presence of clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a patient who has just returned to the unit following lumbar spinal surgery. What immediate action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives a prescription for chest physiotherapy (CPT) to help mobilize secretions. Following the therapy, which finding indicates to the nurse that the intervention was effective?

An adult patient visits the clinic expressing concern about a lump that appeared on their neck about a week ago. Upon examination, the nurse finds a large, non-tender, hardened left subclavian lymph node without any overlying tissue inflammation. What could these findings indicate?

A client with influenza requires assistance in transferring to the bedside commode. The nurse observes the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) donning gloves and a gown to assist the client. What action should the nurse take?

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A client with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg is on a heparin protocol. What is the most crucial intervention for the nurse to include in this client’s care plan?

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A client with schizophrenia is admitted to the hospital reporting auditory hallucinations. Which query is most important for the nurse to include in the client’s assessment?