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. Hypertension and crackles B. Fever and chills C. Excessive thirst and urination D. Shakiness and diaphoresis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

a. Hypertension and crackles:

While hypertension can be associated with various conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases or stress, it is not directly related to the cessation of TPN infusion.

Crackles in the lungs are often indicative of fluid accumulation or inflammation, commonly seen in conditions like pneumonia or heart failure. They are not typically associated with the interruption of TPN infusion.

b. Fever and chills:

Fever and chills can be symptoms of infection or inflammatory processes in the body. However, they are not specifically related to the interruption of TPN infusion.

In the context of TPN cessation, the focus would be on metabolic changes rather than infectious processes.

c. Excessive thirst and urination:

Excessive thirst and urination are classic symptoms of hyperglycemia, which can occur when TPN, particularly if it contains a high glucose concentration, is abruptly interrupted.

When TPN infusion stops, there is no longer a continuous supply of glucose to the body, leading to increased blood glucose levels and subsequent polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst) as the body tries to eliminate excess glucose.

d. Shakiness and diaphoresis:

Shakiness and diaphoresis (excessive sweating) are classic symptoms of hypoglycemia, which can occur if TPN, particularly if it contains a high concentration of insulin, is abruptly interrupted.

TPN solutions often contain glucose and insulin to maintain proper blood glucose levels. If the infusion is stopped suddenly, there may be a rapid decline in blood glucose levels, leading to hypoglycemia, which manifests as shakiness, diaphoresis, confusion, and other neuroglycopenic symptoms.

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Nursing Test Bank

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 assessing a client and discovers the infusion pump with the client's total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution is not infusing. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following conditions?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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