The nurse is assessing an elderly client who has become confused since admission to the hospital two days ago.
Which assessment should the nurse complete first?
Oxygen saturation measurement.
Review of current medications.
Intake and output last 24 hours.
Use of hearing aids or glasses.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because the first priority for assessing an elderly client who has become confused since admission is to rule out hypoxia, which can cause or worsen delirium. Hypoxia can result from various conditions, such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or heart failure.
Oxygen saturation measurement is a quick and non-invasive way to assess the oxygen level in the blood and identify hypoxia.
Choice B. Review of current medications is wrong because although medications can cause or contribute to confusion and delirium in older adults, they are not the most urgent assessment to perform.
Medications should be reviewed after ensuring adequate oxygenation and addressing other possible causes of confusion.
Choice C. Intake and output last 24 hours is wrong because although dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can cause or worsen confusion and delirium in older adults, they are not the most urgent assessment to perform.
Intake and output should be monitored after ensuring adequate oxygenation and addressing other possible causes of confusion.
Choice D. Use of hearing aids or glasses is wrong because although sensory impairment can cause or worsen confusion and delirium in older adults, it is not the most urgent assessment to perform.
The use of hearing aids or glasses should be ensured after ensuring adequate oxygenation and addressing other possible causes of confusion.
Normal ranges for oxygen saturation are 95% to 100% for healthy adults. Lower levels may indicate hypoxia or other respiratory or cardiac problems.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A weak, rapid pulse indicates that the client is experiencing hypovolemia or low blood volume due to blood loss during surgery.
The nurse should recommend to the provider to administer intravenous fluids to restore the client’s circulating volume and improve their hemodynamic status.
Choice A is wrong because anticholinergics are drugs that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system.
Anticholinergics can cause tachycardia, dry mouth, urinary retention, and blurred vision. They are not indicated for hypovolemia.
Choice B is wrong because urinary catheter placement is not a priority intervention for a client with hypovolemia.
Urinary catheterization can help monitor urine output and renal perfusion but does not address the underlying cause of low blood volume.
Choice C is wrong because beta blockers are drugs that block the action of epinephrine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.
Beta-blockers can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output.
They are not indicated for hypovolemia and can worsen the client’s condition.
To communicate this information using the SBAR tool, the nurse should follow these steps: Situation: Identify yourself, the client, and the problem.
For example: “I am (name), the nurse caring for (client name) in room (number).
I am calling because I am concerned that the client has developed hypovolemia after surgery.”
Background: Provide relevant and brief information related to the situation.
For example: “The client had a surgical procedure (name and type) at (time) today. They have lost (amount) of blood during and after surgery.
Their current vital signs are: blood pressure (value), pulse (value), respiratory rate (value), temperature (value), oxygen saturation (value).”
Assessment: Share your analysis and considerations of options. For
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Interview the client privately and ask if anyone is harming her.
This is because the nurse has a duty to assess the client for possible elder abuse and report any suspicions to the appropriate authorities.
The nurse should not assume that the son is the abuser or that the client will disclose the abuse without being asked directly.
The nurse should also respect the client’s autonomy and privacy and not confront the son or provide an elder abuse brochure without the client’s consent.
Choice A is wrong because it may imply that the client is responsible for preventing the abuse or that the nurse has already made a judgment about the situation.
It may also be ineffective if the client is unable or unwilling to read the brochure or seek help. Choice C is wrong because it may delay the assessment and intervention for the client.
It may also be biased and unfair to observe the son without interviewing him or the client first.
Choice D is wrong because it may violate the client’s rights and preferences.
It may also be premature to report the abuse without confirming it with the client or obtaining more evidence.
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