A public health nurse is assessing an older adult client who lives with a family member.

The nurse identifies several bruises in various stages of healing. The client and family members explain that the bruises are a result of clumsiness. However, based on the distribution of the bruises, the nurse suspects abuse.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Investigate further to confirm the suspicion.

Report the findings.

Provide the client with a crisis hotline number.

Discuss respite care with the client’s family.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The nurse has a legal and ethical obligation to report any suspected abuse of a vulnerable client, such as an older adult. Reporting the findings is the first action the nurse should take to protect the client and initiate an investigation by the appropriate authorities.

Choice A is wrong because investigating further to confirm the suspicion is not within the nurse’s scope of practice and could delay the reporting process.

Choice C is wrong because providing the client with a crisis hotline number is not enough to ensure the client’s safety and well-being.

The client might not be able to access the hotline or might be afraid to use it.

Choice D is wrong because discussing respite care with the client’s family is not appropriate at this stage.

The nurse should not assume that the family member is willing or able to provide adequate care for the client.

Respite care might be an option after the abuse is reported and investigated.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This is an appropriately constructed goal statement for the client with COPD because it is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound (SMART). It also addresses the client’s education needs and promotes self-care.

Choice A is wrong because it is not realistic or attainable for a client with COPD to have O2 saturation > 92% by discharge.

The normal range for O2 saturation is 95-100%, but clients with COPD may have lower levels due to chronic hypoxia.

Choice B is wrong because it is not a goal statement, but an intervention.

A goal statement should describe the expected outcome of the intervention, not the intervention itself.

Choice D is wrong because it is not measurable or time-bound.

A goal statement should have a clear indicator of how and when the outcome will be achieved.

A. Place the client on a cardiac monitor. B. Administer a laxative as ordered. C. Place the client on seizure precautions. D. Restrict high potassium foods.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

This is because hypokalemia (low potassium level in the blood) can cause abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) that can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention. A cardiac monitor can help detect and treat any arrhythmia that may occur.

Choice B is wrong because administering a laxative can worsen hypokalemia by causing more potassium loss through the digestive tract. Laxative use is one of the possible causes of hypokalemia.

Choice C is wrong because placing the client on seizure precautions is not a priority intervention for hypokalemia. Seizures are not a common symptom of hypokalemia, although muscle weakness and cramps may occur.

Choice D is wrong because restricting high potassium foods is not a priority intervention for hypokalemia. In fact, increasing potassium intake through foods or supplements may be helpful in less serious cases of hypokalemia. However, this should be done according to the doctor’s recommendation and with careful monitoring of blood potassium levels.

Normal blood potassium levels for an adult range from 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life threatening.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse includes which of the following as an appropriately constructed goal statement for the client with COPD?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client’s bloodwork indicates that he has severe hypokalemia. What is a priority nursing intervention?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The RN performs an admission assessment and determines the client is a fall risk. What is a priority nursing intervention for this client?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about healthful sleep habits. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client needs further instructions?

While preparing a client for surgery, the nurse marks the arm that is to be amputated and participates in a “time-out” procedure before the surgery begins. Which sentinel event is this action intended to prevent?

The nurse graduate is reviewing his scope of practice. Which of the following does he correctly identify as outlining the legal scope of practice for nursing?

Your patient was outdoors and developed hypothermia. You know that independent nursing interventions would include:

The nurse educator is presenting information to a group of nursing students regarding uninsured and underinsured clients. The nurse educator emphasizes that a lack of insurance or lack of sufficient insurance is:

The nurse identifies chronic pain as an appropriate nursing priority (or problem/diagnosis) for a client with fibromyalgia. Which manifestation did the client most likely report that caused the nurse to select this priority?