During the past 30 days, an elderly client has exhibited a progressively decreasing appetite, is spending increasing amounts of the daytime hours in bed, and refuses to participate in planned daytime activities. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) take?
Record the findings and report the symptoms to the charge nurse
Ask the family members to visit more often to stimulate the client
Motivate the client by offering favorite foods as a prize
Withhold any medications that may cause these side effects
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A: Record the findings and report the symptoms to the charge nurse.
Choice A rationale:
The practical nurse (PN) should first record the client's findings, including the progressively decreasing appetite, increased daytime bed hours, and refusal to participate in planned activities. This documentation is essential for accurate communication and continuity of care. After recording the findings, the PN should promptly report the symptoms to the charge nurse. Reporting allows for timely intervention and assessment by the charge nurse or other healthcare providers to address the client's issues effectively.
Choice B rationale:
Asking family members to visit more often is not the best action to take in this situation. While family support is important, the client's symptoms suggest possible underlying health concerns that need professional evaluation and management. Relying solely on increased family visits might delay appropriate healthcare interventions.
Choice C rationale:
Motivating the client by offering their favorite foods as a prize might not be appropriate at this stage. The client's decreased appetite and refusal to participate in activities could be indicators of underlying health issues that need to be addressed first. Moreover, encouraging unhealthy eating habits as a "prize”. could be counterproductive to the client's well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Withholding medications that may cause side effects is not a suitable action without consulting the healthcare provider responsible for the client's care. Abruptly stopping medications could lead to adverse effects or complications, and it is essential to involve the healthcare team in making decisions about medication management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Determine the client's usual bowel pattern.
Choice A rationale:
Administering a prescribed PRN stool softener may be necessary if the client is experiencing constipation, but it is not the first action the PN should implement. Before administering any medication, the PN should gather more information to make an informed decision.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to ambulate more frequently can be beneficial for promoting bowel movements, but it is not the first action to implement. The PN should first assess the client's bowel pattern to determine if there is a deviation from their usual routine.
Choice C rationale:
Recommending increasing high fiber foods daily can also help with constipation, but it is not the first action to take. The PN should assess the client's current bowel pattern to better understand the situation.
Choice D rationale:
Determining the client's usual bowel pattern is the first action the PN should take. This assessment will help establish a baseline and identify any deviations that might indicate a potential issue, which can then guide further interventions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale: Enrolling the UAP in a hospital education class on conducting safe client care is not an immediate response and does not address the current situation. It may be a longer-term solution for ongoing education.
Choice B rationale: Praising the UAP for performing oral hygiene and encouraging family participation does not address the immediate safety concern of the procedure being performed correctly.
Choice C rationale: Telling the UAP to continue because the unconscious client is positioned safely is incorrect. The client should not be in a flat side-lying position as it increases the risk of aspiration during oral hygiene.
Choice D rationale: Stopping the procedure and telling the UAP to place the client in a Fowler's position is correct. The Fowler's position helps maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of aspiration during oral hygiene in an unconscious client.
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