An older adult client with restless legs syndrome begins taking melatonin at bedtime. When evaluating the effectiveness of the herb which client assessment should the nurse complete?
Assess anxiety level.
Observe for peripheral edema.
Determine sleep patterns.
Palpate pedal pulse volume.
The Correct Answer is C
Restless legs syndrome is a condition that causes an uncomfortable sensation in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and can be used as a sleep aid. Therefore, when evaluating the effectiveness of melatonin in an older adult client with restless legs syndrome, the nurse should assess the client's sleep patterns to determine if the herb is improving their ability to fall and stay asleep.
Assessing anxiety level (a) may be useful in other contexts, but it is not directly relevant to evaluating the effectiveness of melatonin for restless legs syndrome. Observing for peripheral edema (b) and palpating pedal pulse volume (d) are important assessments in clients with peripheral vascular disease or other circulatory disorders, but they are not directly related to restless legs syndrome or the use of melatonin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is C. Instruct the client to request assistance when ambulating to the bathroom.
Choice A reason:
Advise the client that the medication should start to work in about 30 minutes.
While it is important to inform the client about the onset of action of the medication, this is not the highest priority. Codeine, an opioid, can cause dizziness and sedation, which increases the risk of falls. Therefore, safety measures take precedence over informing the client about the medication’s onset time.
Choice B reason:
Administer a stool softener/laxative at the same time as the analgesic.
Opioids like codeine can cause constipation, so administering a stool softener or laxative is a good practice. However, this action is not the highest priority when considering the immediate safety of the client. Ensuring the client’s safety from potential falls due to dizziness or sedation is more urgent.
Choice C reason:
Instruct the client to request assistance when ambulating to the bathroom.
This is the correct answer because codeine can cause dizziness, sedation, and orthostatic hypotension, increasing the risk of falls. Ensuring the client requests assistance when moving can prevent potential injuries, making it the highest priority nursing action.
Choice D reason:
Tell the client to notify the nurse if the pain is not relieved.
While it is important for the client to communicate about the effectiveness of pain relief, this is not the highest priority. The immediate concern is the client’s safety due to the sedative effects of codeine. Therefore, preventing falls and injuries takes precedence.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. It is commonly used to manage symptoms of a chronic productive cough in conditions such as COPD.
Salmeterol and Tiotropium are both bronchodilators that help to open up the airways and improve breathing in COPD, but they are not specifically indicated for managing a chronic productive cough.
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation in the airways and improve breathing in COPD exacerbations, but it is not typically used for managing a chronic productive cough.
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