The nurse is caring for an older adult client with Alzheimer's disease who becomes increasingly agitated and is speaking to someone who is not visible to the nurse. Which action should the nurse implement?

Reduce the client's interaction with others during the day.

Awaken the client for reality checks every 4 hours at night.

Clarify reality with the client about delusional thoughts.

Use distraction and therapeutic communication skills.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Reducing the client's interaction with others during the day can potentially isolate the client and exacerbate feelings of agitation and confusion. Social interaction is important for cognitive stimulation and emotional well-being, even for clients with Alzheimer's disease.

Choice B reason: Awaking the client for reality checks every 4 hours at night can disrupt the client's sleep pattern, leading to increased agitation and confusion. Proper rest is crucial for clients with Alzheimer's disease to help manage their symptoms effectively.

Choice C reason: Clarifying reality with the client about delusional thoughts can sometimes increase agitation if not done sensitively. Clients with Alzheimer's disease may not respond well to direct confrontation about their delusions. It is often more effective to use techniques that do not directly challenge their perception of reality.

Choice D reason: Using distraction and therapeutic communication skills is the best approach. This strategy helps redirect the client's attention to a different, more calming activity, which can reduce agitation. Therapeutic communication involves understanding and validating the client's feelings while gently guiding them towards a more positive state. This approach respects the client's experience and provides support without escalating their agitation.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Upper midabdominal pain described as gnawing and burning is a classic symptom of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). This type of pain is typically located in the epigastric region and is often relieved by eating or taking antacids, which aligns with the presentation of PUD.

Choice B reason: Marked loss of weight and appetite over the last 3 or 4 months can occur in various gastrointestinal conditions, but it is not specific enough to support a diagnosis of PUD. This symptom alone does not provide enough evidence for PUD.

Choice C reason: Severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea after eating spicy foods might indicate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or another gastrointestinal condition. These symptoms are not typically associated with PUD.

Choice D reason: Frequent use of chewable and liquid antacids for indigestion can indicate chronic gastrointestinal discomfort, but it does not specifically point to PUD. It suggests ongoing gastric issues but lacks specificity for diagnosing PUD.

A. Send the client to x-ray for a flat plate of the abdomen. B. Give a prescribed analgesic for temperature above 101°F (38.3°C). C. Place an indwelling urinary catheter and attach to a bedside drainage unit. D. Insert a nasogastric tube (NGT) and attach to low intermittent suction.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Sending the client to x-ray for a flat plate of the abdomen is important for diagnosing the underlying cause of symptoms, such as bowel obstruction or severe inflammation. However, in the immediate situation, it is essential to relieve the client's symptoms and stabilize their condition first.

Choice B reason: Giving a prescribed analgesic for temperature above 101°F (38.3°C) can help manage fever and pain. However, it is not the first priority. The client’s primary issue is abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting, which need to be addressed urgently to prevent further complications.

Choice C reason: Placing an indwelling urinary catheter and attaching it to a bedside drainage unit may be necessary if there are urinary retention concerns. However, this intervention does not directly address the gastrointestinal symptoms that are currently most troubling for the client.

Choice D reason: Inserting a nasogastric tube (NGT) and attaching it to low intermittent suction is the most immediate priority. This action helps to decompress the stomach, relieve nausea and vomiting, and prevent further complications such as aspiration or worsening of the obstruction. It provides immediate symptomatic relief and allows for better management of the client's condition.

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The nurse is caring for an older adult client with Alzheimer's disease who becomes increasingly agitated and is speaking to someone who is not visible to the nurse. Which action should the nurse implement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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