On the first postoperative day, the nurse finds an older adult client disoriented and trying to climb over the bed railing. The client was oriented to person, place, and time on admission. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Assess the client for pain.

Apply wrist restraints.

Determine the client's blood pressure.

Administer a mild sedative.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Assessing the client for pain is a crucial step because pain can cause disorientation and agitation, especially after surgery. Pain might be a reason for the client's behavior. Addressing pain effectively can help improve the client’s comfort and potentially reduce disorientation and risky behavior.
B.   Applying wrist restraints should be considered a last resort and only when other interventions are not effective or if there is an immediate danger to the client. Restraints can increase agitation and potentially lead to other complications.
C.   Determining the client's blood pressure can be important, especially if there are concerns about hypotension or other cardiovascular issues that might contribute to disorientation. However, it is usually more effective to first address potential pain or discomfort.
D.   Administering a sedative may be appropriate in cases of severe agitation or disorientation, but it should not be the first action. It is essential to first identify and address any underlying causes of the client’s behavior, such as pain, before resorting to pharmacological interventions.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. While protein levels are important in assessing overall nutritional status and can indicate conditions like malnutrition or liver disease, they are not the primary focus in the context of fever, dry mucous membranes, and skin turgor changes.
B. Hemoglobin levels are crucial for assessing anemia and overall oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Although dehydration can potentially concentrate hemoglobin levels, it is not the primary laboratory value to monitor in the context of the acute symptoms
C. The white blood cell count is important for diagnosing infections and understanding the body's response to illness. However, in this scenario, the primary concern is dehydration, which is not directly measured by WBC count. While an elevated WBC could indicate an infection contributing to the fever, it is not the primary laboratory value to monitor for fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
D. Sodium is a key electrolyte that can be significantly affected by dehydration. Dry mucous membranes, inelastic skin turgor, and a fever suggest potential fluid loss and dehydration, which can lead to imbalances in sodium levels. Monitoring sodium levels is crucial because dehydration often results in elevated sodium concentrations (hypernatremia), which can have serious implications for the client’s health.

A. Record the client's ability to perform ADLs safely. B. Initiate a fall risk protocol for the client. C. Teach the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls. D. Determine the client's activity tolerance.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This action is appropriate given that the client’s posture is upright and their gait is smooth and steady. If the client demonstrates safe ambulation and is capable of performing ADLs effectively, documenting this observation is crucial for maintaining a record of their functional status.
B. Initiating a fall risk protocol may not be immediately necessary if the client shows a smooth, steady gait and upright posture. However, fall risk assessments are generally based on multiple factors, including history of falls, medication side effects, and environmental hazards.
C. The client’s smooth and steady gait suggests they are ambulating effectively. Teaching the client to shorten their stride is typically advised when there is observed instability or an increased risk of falls.
D. Assessing the client's activity tolerance is a valid consideration, but it may not be the immediate next step if the client’s gait and posture are already observed to be steady and upright.

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On the first postoperative day, the nurse finds an older adult client disoriented and trying to climb over the bed railing. The client was oriented to person, place, and time on admission. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An older adult client's skin feels warm and the client has a temperature of 101.2° F (38.4° C). The nurse further assesses that the client has a reddened tongue, dry mucous membranes, and inelastic skin turgor. Which serum laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse assesses an older adult client's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). When observing the client ambulate, the nurse notes that the client's posture is upright, and the gait is smooth and steady. Which action should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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