An older female adult who was admitted to a long-term care facility yesterday is confused about what day of the week it is. Her history does not indicate that she was confused prior to admission. What action should the practical nurse (PN) take?
Document the client's loss of memory in the record.
Notify the family of the change in the client's condition.
Remind the client what day of the week it is.
Encourage the client to rest during the day.
The Correct Answer is C
This is the best action for the PN to take because it provides reality orientation and helps the client cope with the change in environment. The client may be experiencing acute confusion or delirium due to stress, medication, infection, or other factors. The PN should remind the client of the date, time, and place frequently and use other strategies such as calendars, clocks, and familiar objects to reduce confusion.
A. Documenting the client's loss of memory in the record is not enough and does not address the client's needs.
B. Notifying the family of the change in the client's condition is not a priority and may not be necessary if the confusion is temporary or reversible.
D. Encouraging the client to rest during the day is not appropriate and may worsen the confusion or disrupt the sleep-wake cycle.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C:
Gather the procedure tray and equipment. Choice A rationale:
Placing the client in an orthopneic position (sitting upright and leaning forward) is not necessary for a thoracentesis procedure. The position may be uncomfortable for the client and does not facilitate the procedure.
Choice B rationale:
Keeping the client NPO (nothing by mouth) and encouraging them to void before the procedure is not directly relevant to a thoracentesis. NPO status might be indicated for other procedures requiring anesthesia but not for a bedside thoracentesis.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct choice. The PN should prepare by gathering the procedure tray and equipment before the healthcare provider arrives to perform the thoracentesis. This ensures that all necessary items are readily available for the procedure.
Choice D rationale:
Cleansing the site and covering it with a sterile towel is a task usually performed by the healthcare provider who will be performing the thoracentesis. The PN's role is to prepare the necessary equipment and assist the provider during the procedure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level indicates impaired renal function, which can be caused by dehydration, infection, or nephrotoxic drugs. Chemotherapy can damage the kidneys and increase the risk of renal failure. The PN should report this finding to the charge nurse, as it may require fluid replacement, dose adjustment, or discontinuation of the chemotherapy.
The other options are not correct because:
A. Periodic nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy that can be managed with antiemetics, hydration, and dietary modifications. They are not as urgent as a high BUN level.
B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes may indicate hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, or peripheral neuropathy, which can be caused by chemotherapy or other factors. They are not as urgent as a high BUN level.
C. A platelet count of 135,000/mm3 or 135 x 10^9/L is slightly below the normal range, but not significantly low. Chemotherapy can cause thrombocytopenia, which increases the risk of bleeding. The PN should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, but this finding is not as urgent as a high BUN level.
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