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.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The PN should report the injury details to the charge nurse. This is important because the charge nurse needs to be aware of any changes in the patient's condition and can help determine the appropriate course of action. The other options are not the most appropriate actions for the PN to take in this situation.
Obtaining a heel stick glucose (A) may be necessary if hypoglycemia is suspected, but it is not the most immediate concern.
Initiating strict intake and output measurements (C) may be necessary for monitoring fluid balance, but it is not the most immediate concern.
Swaddling the infant in a blanket (D) may provide comfort, but it does not address the underlying issue of the head injury and seizure episode.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
In this situation, the practical nurse (PN) should coach the client to take slow, deep breaths during each contraction. The client has already been medicated with butorphanol and promethazine for pain relief and it may not be appropriate to administer another dose at this time. Instead, the PN can provide non- pharmacological pain relief measures such as coaching the client to use breathing techniques to help manage the pain during contractions. The other actions listed may also be appropriate in some situations, but coaching the client to use breathing techniques is the most appropriate action in this situation.
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