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 practical nurse (PN) should obtain information about the client's current medications, including any analgesics or antianxiety medications that may be contributing to the confusion. These medications can cause cognitive impairment and confusion, especially in older adults. It is important to assess the client's mental status and identify any potential causes of confusion, as this can indicate a change in the client's condition that requires further evaluation and intervention.
Option B is incorrect as it refers to a history of situational depression, which may not be relevant to the current situation.
Option C is also incorrect as it refers to previous falls, which may not be related to the current confusion.
Option D is incorrect as it refers to the client's history of alcohol abuse, which may be important to know but is not the most relevant information to obtain in this situation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The practical nurse (PN) should recognize that a newborn whose mother has poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus and is exhibiting grunting with mild sternal retractions is exhibiting signs of patent ductus arteriosus. Patent ductus arteriosus is a condition in which the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta, fails to close after birth. This can result in abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery, leading to respiratory distress.
Hypothyroidism (Option A) and hyperinsulinemia (Option C) are conditions that can occur in newborns, but they do not typically present with grunting and sternal retractions.
Ventral septal defect (Option D) is a congenital heart defect that can cause respiratory distress, but it is not specifically associated with maternal diabetes.
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