An older client recently transferred to a rehabilitation facility after aortic valve replacement surgery is experiencing anxiety and difficulty adjusting to the transition. The healthcare provider prescribes an antidepressant and a mild sedative for sleep. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?
Obtain a blood pressure reading before the client gets out of bed.
Monitor and record the client's urinary output every day.
Provide the client with teaching regarding a cardiac diet.
Assess the client's vital signs every 4 hours when awake.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Obtain a blood pressure reading before the client gets out of bed. This is the most important intervention, as it can prevent or detect orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing position from lying to standing. Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness, fainting, or falls, and it can be caused by medications, dehydration, or cardiac problems.
Choice B: Monitor and record the client's urinary output every day. This is not the most important intervention, as it does not address the client's anxiety or adjustment issues. The urinary output should be monitored for signs of fluid balance, kidney function, or infection, but it is not a priority for this client.
Choice C: Provide the client with teaching regarding a cardiac diet. This is not the most important intervention, as it does not address the client's anxiety or adjustment issues. The cardiac diet should be taught to promote heart health, lower cholesterol, and reduce sodium intake, but it is not a priority for this client.
Choice D: Assess the client's vital signs every 4 hours when awake. This is not the most important intervention, as it does not address the client's anxiety or adjustment issues. The vital signs should be assessed for signs of infection, pain, or hemodynamic instability, but they are not a priority for this client.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
Choice B reason: Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
Choice C reason: Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is: c. Leave the light on in the room at night.
Choice A: Replace the IV catheter with a smaller gauge
Replacing the IV catheter with a smaller gauge is not directly addressing the issue of the client’s confusion and agitation. While a smaller gauge might be less irritating, it does not solve the problem of the client picking at the IV site. The pinkness at the IV site suggests mild irritation or early signs of phlebitis, which can be managed by monitoring and ensuring proper securement and care of the IV site.
Choice B: Apply soft bilateral wrist restraints
Applying wrist restraints should be a last resort due to the potential for causing distress, agitation, and physical harm to the patient. Restraints can lead to negative outcomes such as decreased circulation, pressure ulcers, and increased agitation, especially in patients with dementia. It is generally recommended to use less restrictive measures first.
Choice C: Leave the light on in the room at night
Leaving the light on in the room at night (C) can help reduce confusion and agitation in dementia patients, a phenomenon known as sundowning. However, it does not address the immediate issue of the non-occlusive dressing and the pink IV insertion site.
Choice D: Redress the abdominal incision
Given the situation, the most appropriate intervention would be to redress the abdominal incision (D). This is because the dressing is no longer occlusive, which can increase the risk of infection. Ensuring the dressing is secure and clean is crucial for the patient's safety.
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