The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with an injury to the cerebellum who cannot complete the Romberg Test. Which nursing intervention is priority?
Ensure bed alarm is on when leaving patient's room
Vary schedule to prevent memorization and boredom
Clarify misinformation and reorient when confused
Deep breathing and incentive spirometer education
The Correct Answer is A
A) Ensure bed alarm is on when leaving patient's room:
The cerebellum plays a critical role in coordinating movement, balance, and motor control. An injury to this area can lead to impaired coordination and dysfunction in balance, making it difficult for the patient to perform the Romberg test (which evaluates balance and proprioception). Given that the patient cannot complete the Romberg test, this suggests the risk of falling or injuring themselves due to impaired balance and coordination. The priority nursing intervention is to ensure safety by using a bed alarm to alert staff if the patient attempts to get out of bed, thereby preventing falls.
B) Vary schedule to prevent memorization and boredom:
While changing the patient's routine may help with engagement, it is not the priority intervention for a patient with cerebellar injury. The primary concern in this situation is safety due to the patient's impaired balance. Addressing issues related to cognitive function or boredom may be important but comes after ensuring the patient’s physical safety.
C) Clarify misinformation and reorient when confused:
Reorientation may be necessary if the patient is confused or disoriented, but this is not the primary concern related to cerebellar injury. The patient’s balance and motor coordination are the most pressing issues. While mental clarity is important, preventing falls due to impaired motor control is the immediate priority.
D) Deep breathing and incentive spirometer education:
Deep breathing exercises and using an incentive spirometer are essential to prevent respiratory complications, particularly after surgery or immobility. However, in this case, the priority concern is the patient's safety related to impaired balance from the cerebellar injury. Respiratory interventions are important but should be addressed after ensuring that the patient is safe from falls and other immediate physical risks.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Ice packs may be applied to the site for 30 minutes every hour for comfort:
This is not an appropriate recommendation for skin care related to radiation therapy. Applying ice packs to the skin can cause vasoconstriction and might worsen skin irritation or damage from radiation. Instead, the patient should be advised to avoid extreme temperatures, including hot or cold compresses, which could exacerbate skin issues in the radiation field.
B) Incorporate rest periods throughout the day:
While rest is important for overall well-being during radiation therapy, this instruction does not directly address the skin care needs associated with radiation. The primary concern with radiation therapy is protecting the skin from further irritation and damage, so specific skin care measures are more crucial in this context than general rest periods.
C) Do not share bathrooms/toilets with others for 48 hours after treatment:
This instruction is not necessary for most patients undergoing radiation therapy, especially for lung cancer. The concern about not sharing bathrooms or toilets generally applies to patients receiving brachytherapy or radioactive implants, where radiation is placed inside the body. For external radiation, there is no risk of contamination through shared bathroom use.
D) Wear loose, soft clothing over the treated area:
This is the most appropriate instruction for skin care during radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can cause the skin to become tender, red, and irritated, so wearing loose, soft clothing will help minimize friction and pressure on the skin. Tight or rough clothing can irritate the radiation site, increasing the risk of skin breakdown. Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton can help keep the skin comfortable and allow it to heal while protecting it from further damage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Avoid use of the microwave for three months:
Microwaves do not interfere with pacemaker function. Modern pacemakers are designed to be resistant to electromagnetic interference from household devices like microwaves. Therefore, there is no need to avoid microwave use. The nurse should focus on other areas of safety that are more pertinent to the functioning of the pacemaker.
B) Use cellular phone sparingly:
Cellular phones generally do not interfere with the operation of most modern pacemakers. The nurse may advise the client to avoid holding a mobile phone directly over the pacemaker (i.e., on the chest) for prolonged periods, but there is no need to avoid using the phone entirely. Current guidelines suggest using the phone on the opposite ear from the side of the pacemaker if concerned, but the phone itself does not pose a significant risk.
C) Resume outdoor activities in two days:
Although outdoor activities may be safe after some time, the client should avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise for a period after receiving a pacemaker. The recommended rest period after pacemaker placement typically ranges from several days to a few weeks, depending on the individual and the procedure. However, resuming outdoor activities like walking or mild exercise is often appropriate earlier than two days, but not in all cases, and should be guided by the healthcare provider.
D) No heavy lifting for two months:
After the insertion of a biventricular pacemaker (which is often used in cases of heart failure), the patient should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least 6-8 weeks to allow the lead wires to properly stabilize within the heart and to reduce the risk of dislodging the pacemaker leads. Lifting objects heavier than 10-15 pounds (4.5-7 kg) can strain the chest muscles and disrupt pacemaker lead placement.
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