The community health nurse is performing a home visit for a 74-year-old client recovering from hip surgery. The nurse notes that the client seems uncharacteristically confused at times and has dry mucous membranes. The client states to stop drinking water early in the day because it's just too difficult to get up during the night to go to the bathroom. What would be the nurse's best response?
You need to have your medications adjusted so you need to be admitted to the hospital for a complete workup.
You build up too much urine in your bladder, which can cause you to get confused.
Dehydration can cause changes that can result in confusion, so let's try to increase your fluid intake.
Urinary tract infections are common and can cause confusion, so it's important not to urinate at night.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is not the best response because it is alarmist and does not address the client's concern. The nurse should not assume that the client needs to have their medications adjusted or be admitted to the hospital without further assessment.
Choice B reason: This is not the best response because it is inaccurate and does not explain the link between urine retention and confusion. The nurse should not imply that the client is causing their own confusion by not drinking enough water.
Choice C reason: This is the best response because it is accurate and educates the client on the effects of dehydration on the body. The nurse should encourage the client to drink more fluids throughout the day and offer strategies to make it easier for them to access the bathroom at night.
Choice D reason: This is not the best response because it is irrelevant and does not address the client's dehydration. The nurse should not suggest that the client has a urinary tract infection without evidence or testing. The nurse should also not discourage the client from urinating at night, as this can lead to other complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Constipation is not a priority finding for a client with peptic ulcer disease. It may be a side effect of some medications or a result of decreased fluid intake, but it does not indicate a serious complication.
Choice B reason: Dyspepsia is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease, but it is not a priority finding. It refers to indigestion or discomfort in the upper abdomen, which may be relieved by antacids or other medications.
Choice C reason: Hematemesis is a priority finding for a client with peptic ulcer disease. It indicates bleeding from the ulcer, which can lead to shock and anemia. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, hemoglobin level, and blood loss, and notify the provider immediately.
Choice D reason: Epigastric discomfort is another common symptom of peptic ulcer disease, but it is not a priority finding. It refers to pain or burning in the upper abdomen, which may be worsened by food intake or stress. The nurse should provide comfort measures and educate the client on dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sudden abdominal pain is a sign of gastrointestinal perforation, which is a life-threatening complication of peptic ulcer disease. It occurs when the ulcer erodes through the wall of the stomach or duodenum, causing leakage of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity. This causes inflammation, infection, and peritonitis.
Choice B reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not indicative of gastrointestinal perforation. They may be present in other conditions, such as gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction, or diarrhea.
Choice C reason: Bradycardia is not indicative of gastrointestinal perforation. It may be caused by other factors, such as vagal stimulation, medication side effects, or cardiac disorders.
Choice D reason: Decreased blood pressure is not indicative of gastrointestinal perforation. It may be a result of other causes, such as hypovolemia, shock, or dehydration.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today