The family of an older adult client brings him to the emergency department after finding him wandering outside. During the initial assessment, the nurse notes that the client flinches when she palpates his abdomen yet responds to questions only by nodding and smiling.

Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as a likely explanation for the client's behavior?

He is hard of hearing.

Confusion

Pain

Language barrier

None

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. He is hard of hearing:
This is unlikely. While hearing impairment could explain some difficulty in communication, it would not explain the flinching upon abdominal palpation or the wandering behavior. Hearing-impaired clients typically respond to nonverbal cues or attempt to communicate their understanding in other ways.

B. Confusion:
This is correct. The client's wandering behavior, lack of verbal response, and smiling/nodding without clear understanding are indicative of confusion, which is common in older adults experiencing delirium, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. The flinching during abdominal palpation suggests a physical issue, but the client's inability to articulate his discomfort further supports confusion as a contributing factor.

C. Pain:
While pain could explain the flinching during palpation, it does not account for the wandering behavior or the lack of meaningful verbal communication. Pain may coexist with confusion but is not the primary explanation for his overall behavior.

D. Language barrier:
A language barrier could explain difficulty in verbal communication, but it does not account for the wandering behavior or the flinching upon palpation. Additionally, the family’s ability to communicate with the healthcare team suggests this is not the most likely factor

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Isometric exercises involve contracting or tensing muscles without actually moving the joint. Instructing the client to tighten muscle groups for a short period and then relax is the correct approach for isometric exercises. This action helps activate and strengthen specific muscle groups without moving the joints.
B. Moving the client's limbs through their complete range of motion is known as passive range of motion exercises. These exercises are important for maintaining joint flexibility but are not isometric.
C. Asking the client to move her arms and legs while applying slight resistance is known as resisted range of motion exercises. These exercises involve active movement against resistance and are not considered isometric.
D. Having the client move each limb independently through its complete range of motion is known as active range of motion exercises. These exercises involve voluntary
movement of each joint through its full range of motion and is not isometric.

A. Hold the client's evening dose of digoxin. B. Increase the client's fluid intake. C. Complete a neurological check. D. Administer the prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication. E. Administer the prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Holding the client's evening dose of digoxin is not the priority at this time. The client's symptoms of confusion and drowsiness require immediate attention to determine the cause.
B. Increasing the client's fluid intake may be important for various reasons, but it is not the most urgent action in this situation. The client's altered mental status and vital signs need to be assessed first.
C. Completing a neurological check is the most appropriate action in this situation. The sudden onset of confusion and drowsiness may indicate a neurological issue that needs to be assessed promptly. This includes assessing the client's level of consciousness, pupillary response, motor function, and other neurological signs.
D. Administering the prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication is not indicated based on the client's current presentation. The client's symptoms are more suggestive of a neurological issue rather than hypertension. It's important to address the altered mental status first.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed bedrest. The plan of care indicates that the client should perform isometric exercises every 2 hr. Which of the following actions should the nurse take as directed by the plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse on a medical unit is caring for a client who suddenly becomes confused and drowsy. Additional data includes pulse 100/min, respiratory rate 24/min, BP 132/76 mm Hg, and temperature 36.8° C (98.2° F). Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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