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 C

Explanation

A. Inguinal canal is not the correct location for assessing the posterior tibial pulse. This area is associated with the femoral pulse.
B. The knee is not the correct location for assessing the posterior tibial pulse. This area is not directly related to the posterior tibial pulse.
C. The lower third of the tibia, anterior aspect is the correct location for palpating the posterior tibial pulse. This pulse can be found on the inside of the ankle, slightly below and behind the medial malleolus.
D. Dorsal aspect of the foot is where the dorsalis pedis pulse is located, not the posterior tibial pulse.

A. To remove gastric acid that might cause dyspepsia B. To confirm the placement of the NG tube C. To identify delayed gastric emptying D. To determine the client's electrolyte balance

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Measuring the gastric residual is a common practice before administering enteral feedings. It helps to assess if the client's stomach is emptying properly and if there is any buildup of undigested formula. This is important in identifying delayed gastric emptying, which can lead to complications if not addressed.
B. To remove gastric acid that might cause dyspepsia is not the primary purpose of measuring gastric residual. The main concern is to assess the rate of stomach emptying.
C. To confirm the placement of the NG tube is typically done using other methods, such as pH testing or an X-ray. While aspirating stomach contents through the tube can help confirm placement, it is not the primary purpose of measuring gastric residual.
D. To determine the client's electrolyte balance is not related to the purpose of measuring gastric residual. Electrolyte balance is typically assessed through blood tests and clinical signs and symptoms.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client's peripheral circulation. In which of the following locations should the nurse palpate to assess the posterior tibial pulse? (Selectable areas, or "Hot Spots," are outlined in the artwork below. Select only the outlined area that corresponds to your answer.)

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who receives intermittent enteral feedings through an NG tube. Before administering a feeding, the nurse should measure the gastric residual for which of the following purposes?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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