An older adult client grimaces and demonstrates guarding behavior, but denies experiencing pain when asked by the nurse to rate the pain on a numeric scale. Which action should the nurse take next?

Ask the client to describe how they are feeling.

Administer a PRN dose of a prescribed analgesic.

Document that the client denies pain in the nurse's notes.

Confront the client about inconsistent behavior and response.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Asking the client to describe their feelings provides an opportunity to explore their symptoms in more detail, which might help in understanding their pain better. This approach respects the client's experience and opens a dialogue to assess their discomfort more accurately, especially if they are not expressing it verbally or are having difficulty quantifying it.
B.   Administering medication without further assessment might be premature. The client's denial of pain and the presence of grimacing and guarding behavior suggest that there may be underlying discomfort, but it's crucial to assess the situation more thoroughly before administering medication.
C.   While documenting the client’s verbal denial of pain is important, it should not be the only action taken. The client's non-verbal cues such as grimacing and guarding behavior suggest that they might be experiencing pain despite their verbal denial.
D.   Confronting the client could be perceived as accusatory and might make them feel defensive or uncomfortable. It's important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding rather than confrontation.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Allowing privacy for the family and client is a compassionate and appropriate action, especially as the client's death is imminent. This respects the client's wishes and provides a supportive environment for the family to process their emotions and say their goodbyes.
B. Continuously measuring blood pressure in this scenario is less appropriate because the client is in the final stages of life and their focus should be on comfort rather than monitoring vital signs. Frequent blood pressure measurements may be distressing for the family and do not align with the goals of end- of-life care, which prioritize comfort and dignity.
C. Teaching the family to use an oral suction device is not appropriate at this stage because the client is actively dying, and such interventions are not typically useful or necessary in end-of-life care. The focus should be on providing comfort rather than invasive procedures or teaching new skills to family members.
D. Applying oxygen and elevating the head of the bed can be appropriate interventions for clients experiencing respiratory distress; however, this may conflict with the advance directive if the directive explicitly states no resuscitative measures

A. Measure body temperature. B. Administer PRN oxygen. C. Send for chest x-ray. D. Obtain sputum for culture.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Measuring body temperature is important in assessing the client’s overall condition and identifying a fever, which is common in pneumonia. However, while it provides useful information about the client's status, it is not the most urgent action compared to interventions that could immediately impact the client’s respiratory function or confirm the diagnosis.
B. Administering PRN (as needed) oxygen is crucial if the client shows signs of hypoxia or difficulty breathing. If the client's face appears cyanotic or if they are experiencing respiratory distress, this action should be prioritized to ensure adequate oxygenation.
C. A chest x-ray is essential for diagnosing pneumonia and assessing the extent of lung involvement. However, while it is critical for diagnosis, addressing immediate respiratory needs and symptoms takes precedence.
D. Obtaining sputum for culture is important for identifying the causative organism and guiding antibiotic therapy. However, this action is less urgent than ensuring the client’s immediate respiratory needs are met and confirming the diagnosis through imaging.

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An older adult client grimaces and demonstrates guarding behavior, but denies experiencing pain when asked by the nurse to rate the pain on a numeric scale. Which action should the nurse take next?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client is admitted with possible pneumonia. When entering the room, the nurse observes the client's face as seen in the picture. Which prescription should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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