The nurse is assessing an older client who is having difficulty remembering events from earlier in the day and concentrating on the questions being asked. A family member shares that the client's home was recently sold and the client has just moved in with them.

Which nursing response best promotes effective communication with the family?

If the dementia is a result of Alzheimer's disease, it is often reversible even in the late stages.

The client is exhibiting symptoms of dementia and because of age, it may be permanent.

The client's delirium may be due to depression and is possibly reversible.

Delirium is often a sign of underlying mental illness and institutionalization is often necessary.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Given the client's difficulty with memory, concentration, and recent life changes, it is

important for the nurse to acknowledge the possibility of delirium as a potential cause of the client's symptoms. Delirium is an acute state of confusion that can be caused by various factors, including physical illness, medication side effects, and emotional stressors. It is often reversible when the underlying cause is identified and treated.

By mentioning the possibility of delirium and its potential reversibility, the nurse opens up the conversation to exploring other factors that may be contributing to the client's symptoms. This response also provides hope to the family by suggesting that the client's condition may improve with appropriate interventions and management.

Stating that dementia resulting from Alzheimer's disease is often reversible even in the late stages is incorrect. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that currently has no cure, and the symptoms tend to worsen over time.

Reversibility is not typically associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Indicating that the client's symptoms of dementia are permanent due to age is a generalization and may not be accurate. While age is a risk factor for certain types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, it does not mean that all memory and cognitive difficulties in older adults are irreversible.

Suggesting that delirium is often a sign of underlying mental illness and institutionalization is necessary is not appropriate. Delirium is a medical condition that requires thorough assessment and appropriate management, including addressing any underlying causes. Institutionalization may be considered in certain situations, but it is not the primary focus of communication in this context.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Incorrect- Reviewing transcutaneous bilirubin levels is unrelated to the presence of an enlarged clitoris. Bilirubin levels are typically assessed to monitor jaundice in newborns.
B) Incorrect- Observing and palpating breast tissue for enlargement is not relevant to the condition of salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Breast tissue enlargement would not be associated with this hormonal disorder.
C) Incorrect- Assessing for signs of fluid retention and bilateral pedal edema is important for monitoring for other conditions, but it is not relevant to the enlarged clitoris seen in this specific scenario.
D) Correct- Salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic disorder that results in a deficiency of certain enzymes required for cortisol and aldosterone production. This deficiency leads to an overproduction of androgens, which can cause virilization of female external genitalia. The enlarged clitoris is a result of increased androgen levels. Explaining this finding to the mother provides her with accurate information about the condition and its effects on the infant's anatomy.

A. Left lateral position. B. Reverse Trendelenburg. C. High-Fowler's position. D. Supine

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect- The left lateral position might not provide enough lung expansion for a client in respiratory distress.
B) Incorrect- Reverse Trendelenburg (head of bed elevated, foot of bed lowered) might not provide enough lung expansion and could exacerbate respiratory distress.
C) Correct- The High-Fowler's position, where the client is sitting upright at a 90-degree angle or as upright as tolerated, helps to improve lung expansion, reduce pressure on the diaphragm, and promote optimal oxygenation. This position is commonly used for clients with respiratory distress.
D) Incorrect- The supine position may worsen pulmonary congestion and compromise lung expansion in clients with pulmonary edema.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When assessing a newborn girl with salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency, the nurse notes that the infant has an enlarged clitoris. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client with pulmonary edema who is short of breath and coughing pink tinged sputum. Which position should the nurse place the client to ease respiratory distress?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is managing the care of a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which intervention(s) should the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.)

The nurse has completed the diet teaching of a client who is being discharged following treatment of a leg wound. A high protein diet is encouraged to promote wound healing. Which lunch choice by the client indicates that the teaching was effective?

When should the nurse conduct an Allen's test?

A client who is receiving zidovudine reports the appearance of pinpoint, red, round spots on the skin. Which result should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

An older adult client is admitted to the stroke unit after recovery from the acute phrase of an ischemic cerebral vascular accident (CVA). Which intervention(s) should the nurse include in the plan of care during convalescence and rehabilitation? (Select all that apply.)

A client with possible acute kidney injury (AKI) is admitted to the hospital and mannitol is prescribed as a fluid challenge. Prior to carrying out this prescription, what intervention should the nurse implement?

The healthcare provider prescribes 500 mL intravenous (IV) bolus of 0.9% normal saline to be infused over 30 minutes. How many mL/hour should the nurse set the infusion pump? (Enter numerical value only.)