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 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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Motrin is a brand name for ibuprofen, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs can cause renal toxicity, especially in older adults and patients with renal disease.
Therefore, the nurse should be most concerned about this medication and its potential adverse effects on the patient’s kidney function.
Choice A is wrong because digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that is used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index and can cause toxicity if the dose is too high or if the patient has hypokalemia. However, digoxin does not directly affect the kidneys and can be safely used in patients with renal disease if the dose is adjusted according to the patient’s creatinine clearance.
Choice B is wrong because levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone that is used to treat hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine does not have any major interactions with the kidneys and can be used in patients with renal disease without dose adjustment.
Choice D is wrong because Tylenol is a brand name for acetaminophen, which is an analgesic and antipyretic drug. Acetaminophen does not have any anti-inflammatory effects and does not affect the kidneys at therapeutic doses. However, acetaminophen can cause hepatotoxicity if the dose exceeds 4 g per day or if the patient has liver disease or alcohol abuse.
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