As a nurse prepares an older adult client for bed on the first night of her hospital stay, the client says, "I am afraid that I may fall getting to the bathroom during the night. I tend to get a bit disoriented in new surroundings." Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Offer to request a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter.
Keep a night light on in the client's room.
Put the side rails up and tell the client to call for assistance to the bathroom.
Limit the client's fluid intake in the evening.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Offer to request a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter.
Indwelling urinary catheters come with their own set of risks and complications. It is generally not recommended to use them solely for the purpose of preventing falls unless there are other medical indications for their use. Catheters increase the risk of infection and other complications, and their use should be based on clear medical necessity.
B. Keep a night light on in the client's room.
This option directly addresses the client's concern about falling during the night. Providing a night light in the room helps to alleviate disorientation, making it safer for the client to navigate to the bathroom. It is a practical and non-invasive intervention.
C. Put the side rails up and tell the client to call for assistance to the bathroom.
While using side rails can be a fall prevention measure, it's important to consider that they are not without risks. Side rails can lead to entrapment or injury if not used appropriately. In addition, telling the client to call for assistance is good advice, but relying solely on this instruction may not address the immediate concern of disorientation in new surroundings.
D. Limit the client's fluid intake in the evening.
While limiting fluid intake in the evening might reduce the frequency of bathroom trips, it is not the most appropriate response to the client's concern. Dehydration can lead to other health issues and should not be used as the primary strategy for fall prevention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Obtain the client's vital signs: The nurse's priority is to assess the client for any injuries or complications that may have occurred during the fall. Obtaining vital signsprovides critical information about the client's immediate health status, such as the presence of hypotension, tachycardia, or other abnormalities that might indicate injury or a medical issue that caused the fall.
B. Inform the client's family member: While it may be necessary to inform the family of the incident, this is not the nurse's first priority. Ensuring the client’s safety and assessing their condition takes precedence.
C. Notify the client's provider: The provider needs to be informed of the fall, especially if there are injuries or changes in the client’s condition. However, this action should occur after the nurse has assessed the client and gathered pertinent information.
D. Assist the client back into bed: The nurse should not move the client until an assessment has been completed. Moving the client without first assessing their condition could potentially worsen any undiagnosed injuries, such as fractures or spinal injuries.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Disorientation in an older adult after taking lorazepam could indicate an adverse reaction or an excessive sedative effect. It's crucial to report this immediately as it may signify an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication. Older adults are more sensitive to the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, and disorientation can indicate potential serious side effects.
B. Anorexia (loss of appetite) is a possible side effect of lorazepam but is not typically considered an urgent or immediate concern unless it leads to severe dehydration or other complications.
C. Increased anxiety could potentially occur due to paradoxical reactions to benzodiazepines; however, it's not typically considered an urgent or immediate concern unless it's severe or distressing to the client.
D. Blurred vision is a common side effect of lorazepam and other benzodiazepines. While it should be monitored and reported, it might not be considered an urgent concern unless it's significantly affecting the client's ability to function or is accompanied by other severe symptoms.
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