The nurse is caring for a client with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease who is experiencing episodes of confusion. Which finding alerts the nurse that the client may be experiencing a complication?
Blood pressure 130/80 mm Hg.
Cervical spine stiffness.
Dark yellow urine.
Excessive perspiration.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Incorrect- A blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is within a generally acceptable range for a person with diabetes and coronary artery disease. It may not directly indicate a complication related to the episodes of confusion. While blood pressure management is important for clients with diabetes and coronary artery disease, this particular blood pressure reading is not necessarily a significant finding in relation to the client's confusion.
B) Correct- Cervical spine stiffness or neck stiffness is a potential neurological symptom that can indicate a serious complication in a client with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. The stiffness of the neck may be a sign of meningeal irritation, which can result from various conditions including infections such as meningitis. The client's medical history includes both type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, which are risk factors for cardiovascular events, including cerebrovascular accidents (strokes). Confusion can be a symptom of a stroke, and neck stiffness can be indicative of meningeal irritation secondary to a stroke or another neurological condition.
C) Incorrect- Dark yellow urine can be a sign of dehydration, which can be a concern for someone with diabetes. However, it is not directly related to episodes of confusion. Dehydration can cause various symptoms, but confusion is not typically associated with mild dehydration.
D) Incorrect- Excessive perspiration (diaphoresis) can occur for various reasons, including increased sympathetic nervous system activity, fever, anxiety, and physical activity. While it can be a symptom of certain complications, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or heart attack, it alone may not directly relate to the episodes of confusion in this client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The ability to effectively communicate and provide accurate information can be impacted by external factors such as noise, distractions, or an unfamiliar environment. By assessing the surroundings, the nurse can identify and address any potential barriers to communication.
Once the nurse has addressed any environmental factors that may be hindering communication, they can proceed with other strategies to facilitate the health history assessment. This may include providing a printed healthcare assessment form to assist the client in organizing their thoughts or deferring the assessment until the client is less anxious.
Asking the family member to answer the questions should be considered if the client is unable to provide accurate information or is cognitively impaired. However, it is important to first address any environmental factors and attempt to engage the client directly in the assessment process.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Situation: Increasing confusion of the client.
The nurse should start by providing the current situation, which is the client's increasing confusion. This is crucial information as it indicates a change in the client's condition and may require immediate attention.
Background: Fall at home as reason for admission.
Next, the nurse should provide the background information, which includes the reason for admission, in this case, the fall at home. This helps the healthcare provider understand the context and potential contributing factors to the client's current condition. Assessment: Currently prescribed medications.
After providing the background, the nurse should discuss the assessment findings. In this case, it would be appropriate to mention the client's currently prescribed medications. This information can help the healthcare provider assess for any medication-related issues or interactions that could be contributing to the client's confusion.
Recommendation: Client's healthcare power of attorney.
Lastly, the nurse should provide the recommendation, which in this case is the client's healthcare power of attorney. This information is important as it identifies the designated decision-maker for the client's healthcare decisions and can assist the healthcare provider in involving the appropriate person in the care planning process.
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