An older client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for assessment of a recent onset of dementia. The practical nurse (PN) notes that in the evening this client often becomes restless, confused, and agitated. Which intervention should the PN implement?
Delay administration of nighttime medications until after visitors have left.
Administer a prescribed PRN benzodiazepine at the onset of a confused state.
Make certain that the client's assigned room is close to the nurses' station.
Ask family members about how they dealt with the client in the evening.
The Correct Answer is C
Restlessness, confusion, and agitation are common symptoms of dementia, particularly in the evening, a phenomenon known as sundowning. Therefore, the PN should implement interventions that can help to prevent or minimize these symptoms. Assigning the client to a room close to the nurses' station can help to provide constant observation and reassurance and can help to prevent the client from wandering or becoming disoriented.
A. Delaying administration of nighttime medications until after visitors have left may be appropriate, but it is not the first intervention to be implemented in this scenario.
B. Administering a prescribed PRN benzodiazepine at the onset of a confused state may be appropriate in some cases, but it should not be the first intervention to be implemented in this scenario.
D. Asking family members about how they dealt with the client in the evening may be helpful, but it is not the first intervention to be implemented in this scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The screening test that should be scheduled for a client who is gravida 4 para 3 at 16-weeks gestation is **Maternal serum alpha-feto protein (MSAFP)**. Second trimester prenatal screening may include several blood tests, called multiple markers. These markers provide information about a woman's risk of having a baby with certain genetic conditions or birth defects. Screening is usually done by taking a sample of the mother's blood between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy (16th to 18th is ideal)².
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The practical nurse (PN) should obtain a serum glucose level to assess the client's blood sugar level, which can help to determine if the client is experiencing hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Anorexia, drowsiness, and polydipsia, along with the reported frequent urination and bedwetting, are symptoms of hyperglycemia or DKA.
Offering age-appropriate toys (B) or suggesting diapers for bedtime use (C) are not appropriate actions for the PN to take in this situation.
Bringing orange juice and crackers (D) may help to increase the client's blood sugar level in the short term, but it does not address the underlying issue and may exacerbate the client's symptoms if she is experiencing hyperglycemia or DKA.
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