An older client with Alzheimer's disease is confused and asking the nurse to call their mother who is deceased. Which nonpharmacological intervention should the nurse implement?
Clarify reality with the client about delusional thoughts.
Reduce the client's interaction with others during day.
Use distraction and therapeutic communication skills.
Awaken the client for reality checks every 4 hours at night.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Incorrect- Clarify reality with the client about delusional thoughts: Attempting to correct the client's delusional thoughts might cause frustration and agitation. Clients with Alzheimer's disease may have difficulty comprehending and retaining reality-based information.
B) Incorrect- Reduce the client's interaction with others during the day: Social interaction is important for clients with Alzheimer's disease to maintain engagement and prevent feelings of isolation. Reducing interaction could worsen their emotional well-being.
C) Correct- Clients with Alzheimer's disease often experience cognitive impairments and may have delusional thoughts or confusion, such as believing deceased loved ones are still alive. Nonpharmacological interventions are crucial to provide comfort and manage challenging behaviors. Distraction techniques involve redirecting the client's attention away from the delusion and onto a different, engaging activity. This can help decrease distress and anxiety related to their delusional thoughts. Therapeutic communication skills, such as validating the client's feelings and emotions, can also be beneficial. Simply telling the client that their mother is deceased may cause distress and confusion. Instead, providing comfort, empathizing with their emotions, and redirecting their focus can be more effective in managing the situation.
D) Incorrect- Awaken the client for reality checks every 4 hours at night: Disrupting the client's sleep schedule could lead to increased confusion and restlessness. It's important to provide a calm and consistent sleep routine for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Hip arthroplasty is a scheduled procedure, and there is no immediate indication of a critical condition that requires urgent attention.
B) Correct- Postoperative hemorrhage is a serious complication, and an older client receiving packed red blood cells may be experiencing active bleeding. This situation requires immediate assessment and intervention.
C) Incorrect- While continuous bladder irrigation requires monitoring, it is not as urgent as a potential postoperative hemorrhage.
D) Incorrect- Pain management is important, but it is not as urgent as assessing a client who may be experiencing active bleeding.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
In this scenario, the client's sudden onset of feeling apprehensive, restlessness, and increased body temperature are consistent with symptoms of a thyroid crisis, also known as thyroid storm or thyrotoxic crisis. Thyroid crisis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
Initiating IV access is crucial to ensure the prompt administration of medications and fluids to manage the thyroid crisis effectively. IV access allows for the administration of beta-blockers, antithyroid drugs, and supportive care, which are essential components of the treatment for thyroid crisis. IV access also provides a route for fluid resuscitation if necessary.
Accessing laboratory results to confirm a thyroid crisis is important, but the clinical presentation of the client with sudden onset symptoms and a known history of uncontrolled hyperthyroidism suggests the need for immediate intervention rather than waiting for laboratory confirmation.
Obtaining a complete set of vital signs is an important assessment to gather comprehensive data, but in the case of a suspected thyroid crisis, immediate intervention takes precedence over obtaining vital signs.
Encouraging relaxation and slow deep breathing may be beneficial in managing anxiety or discomfort, but it does not address the underlying emergency situation of a thyroid crisis. The nurse should focus on initiating appropriate medical interventions first.
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