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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Half-normal saline solution is a hypotonic solution, which means it has a lower concentration of solutes than the blood plasma. It can cause fluid to shift from the blood vessels into the cells, leading to cellular swelling and edema.
Choice B reason: 10% dextrose in water is a hypertonic solution, which means it has a higher concentration of solutes than the blood plasma. It can cause fluid to shift from the cells into the blood vessels, leading to cellular shrinkage and dehydration.
Choice C reason: 5% dextrose and half-normal saline solution is a hypertonic solution, which has the same effects as choice B. The dextrose increases the osmolarity of the solution, while the half-normal saline provides some electrolytes.
Choice D reason: Lactated Ringer's solution is an isotonic solution, which means it has the same concentration of solutes as the blood plasma. It maintains fluid balance and provides electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and lactate. It is commonly used for fluid resuscitation, dehydration, and acidosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Normal saline is not contraindicated for a dehydrated client with a skull fracture. Normal saline is an isotonic solution that has the same concentration of solutes as the blood plasma. It can help restore fluid balance and prevent cerebral edema.
Choice B reason: Dextrose in water 5% is contraindicated for a dehydrated client with a skull fracture. Dextrose in water 5% is a hypotonic solution that has a lower concentration of solutes than the blood plasma. It can cause fluid to shift from the blood vessels into the brain cells, increasing the intracranial pressure and worsening the skull fracture.
Choice C reason: Lactated Ringer's (LR) is not contraindicated for a dehydrated client with a skull fracture. Lactated Ringer's (LR) is an isotonic solution that has the same concentration of solutes as the blood plasma. It can also provide electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and lactate, which can help correct acid-base imbalances.
Choice D reason: Dextrose in normal saline is not contraindicated for a dehydrated client with a skull fracture. Dextrose in normal saline is a hypertonic solution that has a higher concentration of solutes than the blood plasma. It can cause fluid to shift from the brain cells into the blood vessels, reducing the intracranial pressure and cerebral edema.
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