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 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.

A. Explain the respiratory problems that can occur with morphine use. B. Recommend asking the healthcare professional for a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. C. Provide client with a schedule of around-the-clock prescribed analgesic use. D. Teach family how to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesics.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Morphine is a potent opioid used for pain relief, but it can have side effects, including respiratory depression. While it is important to be aware of and discuss potential side effects, focusing on
respiratory problems might increase the client’s anxiety about using the medication.
B. A PCA pump allows patients to self-administer pain medication within prescribed limits, providing more control over pain management. However, PCA pumps are typically used in hospital settings and may not be practical or appropriate for home hospice care.
C. Providing a schedule for around-the-clock analgesic use is a practical and effective approach to pain management. It ensures that the client receives consistent pain relief and helps prevent the pain from becoming unmanageable.
D. Teaching the family to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesics is important for ongoing pain management. This includes recognizing signs of pain relief and potential side effects. However, this action might be more relevant once pain management is underway and requires follow-up, rather than addressing the immediate concern of managing pain effectively from the start.

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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

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

In-home hospice care is arranged for a client with stage 4 lung cancer. While the palliative care nurse is arranging for discharge, the client verbalizes concerns about pain. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client's spouse has just learned of the client's terminal illness. The spouse is sitting in the corner of the client's room crying, and says to the nurse, "I feel as if I'm already so alone." Which action should the nurse take first?

The nurse has agreed to serve as a client's advocate at the meeting of the hospital ethics committee, which was called to address an ethical dilemma involving the client. To successfully represent the client, what action is essential for the nurse to take?

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