An older client is taken to the clinic by the spouse, who appears extremely worried. The spouse reports to the nurse that the client started to not make any sense and asked to visit a brother who has been dead for many years. Which action(s) should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
Obtain the client's tympanic temperature measurement.
Review the client's current food and medication allergies.
Ask if the client is experiencing any pain with urination.
Encourage increasing the intake of high protein foods.
Determine if the client has recently experienced a fall.
Correct Answer : A,C,E
The correct answer/s is Choice/s A, C, and E.
Choice A rationale: Obtaining the client’s tympanic temperature measurement is a crucial step. The client’s confusion and disorientation could be symptoms of an infection, such as a urinary tract infection or pneumonia. Infections in older adults can often present with atypical symptoms, including changes in mental status. Therefore, checking the client’s temperature can help identify if the client has a fever, which is a common sign of an infection.
Choice B rationale: While it’s always important to be aware of a client’s allergies, especially when administering medications, it doesn’t directly address the immediate concern of the client’s altered mental status. Therefore, it’s not the most appropriate action to take in response to the situation described.
Choice C rationale: Asking if the client is experiencing any pain with urination is relevant because urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in older adults and can cause confusion and other changes in mental status. Pain during urination is a common symptom of a UTI.
Choice D rationale: Encouraging the intake of high protein foods is generally a good recommendation for older adults to maintain their strength and energy levels. However, it’s not directly related to the client’s current symptoms of confusion and disorientation.
Choice E rationale: Determining if the client has recently experienced a fall is important. Falls in older adults can lead to injuries, such as a head injury, which can cause confusion and other changes in mental status. Additionally, some medications used to treat pain after a fall can also contribute to confusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Standard precautions are used for all clients to prevent the spread of infections.
However, in the case of MRSA, contact precautions are needed due to the risk of direct transmission through physical contact.
B) Correct- Monitoring the white blood cell count is important to assess for signs of infection, as an elevated count might indicate an ongoing inflammatory response.
C) Correct- Foul-smelling drainage from an incision with suspected MRSA indicates a potential infection. Contact precautions are appropriate for MRSA, which include wearing gloves and gowns when entering the client's room to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
D) Correct- Sending wound drainage for culture and sensitivity helps identify the specific microorganisms causing the infection and guides appropriate antibiotic treatment.
E) Incorrect- A low-bacteria diet is not relevant to the situation. MRSA is caused by a bacterium, not by dietary factors. The focus should be on infection control measures and appropriate medical interventions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Reviewing transcutaneous bilirubin levels is unrelated to the presence of an enlarged clitoris. Bilirubin levels are typically assessed to monitor jaundice in newborns.
B) Incorrect- Observing and palpating breast tissue for enlargement is not relevant to the condition of salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Breast tissue enlargement would not be associated with this hormonal disorder.
C) Incorrect- Assessing for signs of fluid retention and bilateral pedal edema is important for monitoring for other conditions, but it is not relevant to the enlarged clitoris seen in this specific scenario.
D) Correct- Salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic disorder that results in a deficiency of certain enzymes required for cortisol and aldosterone production. This deficiency leads to an overproduction of androgens, which can cause virilization of female external genitalia. The enlarged clitoris is a result of increased androgen levels. Explaining this finding to the mother provides her with accurate information about the condition and its effects on the infant's anatomy.
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