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 B

Explanation

Shortness of breath on exertion in a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia indicates increased respiratory distress and compromised lung function. It suggests that the client is experiencing difficulty breathing even with minimal physical exertion. This finding may indicate worsening respiratory status, increased oxygen demand, and inadequate oxygenation. The nurse should take immediate action to address the shortness of breath, which may involve providing supplemental oxygen, initiating or adjusting bronchodilator medications, and monitoring the client's respiratory status closely. Prompt intervention is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent respiratory failure.

While the other assessment findings (bilateral diffuse wheezing, temperature of 100.5 °F, and yellow expectorated sputum) are also important and require attention, the shortness of breath on exertion poses the greatest immediate risk and necessitates immediate intervention to address the client's respiratory distress.

A. Take the child's pulse B. Place a cervical collar on the client C. Look for any open wounds D. Call child protective services E. Determine if the child's airway is clear F. Start a peripheral intravenous line

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

A) Correct- Assessing the child's pulse helps determine their cardiac status and whether they have a detectable heartbeat. This information is essential for deciding the appropriate interventions.
B) Correct- Placing a cervical collar is necessary if there is any suspicion of cervical spine injury due to the fall or submersion. This action helps stabilize the neck and prevent further damage to the spine.
C) Correct- Checking for open wounds is important to assess for potential sources of bleeding or infection that may require immediate attention.
D) Incorrect- While child safety is important, the immediate priority in this situation is assessing and stabilizing the child's medical condition. Child protective services may be involved later if there are concerns about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
E) Correct- Assessing the airway is of utmost importance to ensure that the child can breathe. In cases of near-drowning, ensuring a clear airway is crucial for oxygenation.
F) Incorrect- While establishing intravenous access may be important for certain interventions, it is not one of the immediate priorities in this situation. Ensuring the child's airway, breathing, and circulation take precedence.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with pneumonia. Vital signs include: heart rate 122 beats/minute, respiratory rate 28 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 170/90 mmHg. Which assessment finding warrants the most immediate intervention by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Review H and P and nurse's notes. What are the first four actions that the nurse should take?

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

The nurse is assigned to care for four surgical clients. After receiving report, which client should the nurse see first?

A client who is having gastrointestinal (GI) difficulties is undergoing diagnostic procedures. The client asks the nurse about the difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Which information should the nurse offer?

The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child with eczema. The child's skin is dry and scaly, and the mother reports that the child frequently scratches the lesions on the skin to the point of causing bleeding. Which guideline is indicated for care of this child?

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?

The nurse is performing an admission assessment for a newborn who has asymmetrical buttocks. Which assessment test results should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

The nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with emphysema. The nurse should prioritize which potential complication?

An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is assigned to a client with flu-like symptoms who has been placed on droplet precautions. The UAP requests a change in assignment, stating she has not yet been fitted for a particulate filter mask. Which action should the nurse take?