An older male client is admitted with the medical diagnosis of a possible cerebral vascular accident (CVA). He has facial paralysis and cannot move his left side.

When entering the room, the nurse finds the client's wife tearful and trying unsuccessfully to give him a drink of water.

Which action should the nurse take?

Ask the wife to stop and assess the client's swallowing reflex.

Give the wife a straw to help facilitate the client's drinking.

Assist the wife and carefully give the client small sips of water.

Obtain thickening powder before providing any more fluids.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Ask the wife to stop and assess the client's swallowing reflex. Rationale: While assessing the client's swallowing reflex is important, the immediate priority is to provide hydration and comfort to the client, especially if the client is tearful and attempting to drink water. The nurse should assist the wife in providing small sips of water while being cautious and observing the client's ability to swallow safely.

Choice B rationale:

Give the wife a straw to help facilitate the client's drinking. Rationale: Giving the wife a straw may be helpful, but it does not address the client's immediate need for hydration and assistance with drinking. The nurse should actively assist in providing water to the client while assessing the client's ability to swallow safely.

Choice C rationale:

Assist the wife and carefully give the client small sips of water. Rationale: This is the correct answer. The nurse's immediate priority should be to assist the client with hydration. Providing small sips of water while being cautious and observing the client's ability to swallow safely is an appropriate action. This can help address the client's immediate needs for comfort and hydration.

Choice D rationale:

Obtain thickening powder before providing any more fluids. Rationale: While thickening powder may be necessary for clients with swallowing difficulties, it may cause unnecessary delay in providing hydration to the client in distress. The nurse should first provide water and assess the client's swallowing abilities. If thickened liquids are indicated, they can be administered later as per the healthcare provider's orders.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

When a preoperative client expresses fear and uncertainty about undergoing surgery, the priority action for the practical nurse (PN) is to notify the charge nurse of the client's concerns. This is important because the charge nurse can coordinate appropriate interventions and support for the client, ensuring their emotional well-being and addressing their fears.

Let's evaluate the other options:

a) Encourage the client to continue with the scheduled surgery.
While it is important to provide support and reassurance to the client, simply encouraging them to continue with the scheduled surgery may not adequately address their specific concerns and fears. The charge nurse and the healthcare team should be involved to provide the necessary support and information to help alleviate the client's anxiety.

b) Document that the client has expressed concerns about the surgery.
Documenting the client's concerns is important for accurate record-keeping and continuity of care. However, it should not be the only action taken. Notifying the charge nurse is crucial to ensure appropriate follow-up and support for the client.

d) Remind the client that the consent has already been obtained.
Reminding the client that they have already signed the informed consent may not eﬀectively address their fears and concerns. Reassurance and support should be provided, and involving the charge nurse and healthcare team is essential to address the client's emotional well-being.

In summary, when a preoperative client confides in the practical nurse (PN) about being frightened and unsure about undergoing surgery, the priority action is to notify the charge nurse of the client's concerns. This allows for appropriate interventions, support, and coordination of care to address the client's fears, ensure their emotional well-being, and provide necessary information about the surgical procedure.

A. Diarrhea and flatulence. B. Muscle pain. C. Altered taste. D. Abdominal cramps.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Diarrhea and flatulence are common side effects of statin medications like lovastatin but are typically not considered emergencies. They may be managed with dietary adjustments or over-the-counter remedies.

Choice B rationale:

Muscle pain, especially if severe, requires the most immediate follow-up by the nurse. Muscle pain can be a symptom of a rare but serious side effect called rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to muscle breakdown and potential kidney damage. Prompt assessment and intervention are necessary if severe muscle pain occurs.

Choice C rationale:

Altered taste is a side effect of lovastatin but is generally not considered a medical emergency. It may affect the client's quality of life but does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice D rationale:

Abdominal cramps may occur as a side effect of lovastatin, but they are not typically considered an emergency. Like choice A, abdominal cramps can often be managed with dietary adjustments or over-the-counter remedies.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A male preoperative client who has already signed the informed consent for a surgical procedure confides in the practical nurse (PN) that he is really frightened and unsure about undergoing the surgery. Which priority action should the PN take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which problem reported by a client taking lovastatin requires the most immediate follow-up by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The medication aide at a long-term care facility is sick and requests to go home before all medications are administered. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) in charge take?

When performing a focused gastrointestinal system assessment, the practical nurse (PN) asks a male client when his last bowel movement occurred. The client answers, "Three days ago." Which action should the PN implement first?

A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about contributing factors that can lead to the development of conduct disorder. Which of the following factors related to family dynamics should the nurse include in the teaching?

A client who is admitted for primary hypothyroidism has early signs of myxedema coma. In assessing the client, in which sequence should the nurse complete these actions? (Rank the first action at the top with the remainder in descending order.).

A nurse is administering tetracycline to a client who has acne vulgaris. The client tells the nurse that he usually takes calcium supplements with his meals. How should the nurse respond?

The nurse is caring for a client with the sexually transmitted infection (STI) syphilis. The client reports having unprotected sex. Which response should the nurse provide?