The nurse is educating a patient who has been newly prescribed eye medications to treat glaucoma.
How can the nurse best determine if the patient can safely and effectively self-administer the medications?
Ask the patient to demonstrate the instillation of the medications.
Assess the patient for any previous inability to self-manage medications.
The patient accurately describes the directions for administering the medications.
Assess the patient’s functional status.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The best way to determine if a patient can safely and effectively self-administer medications is to ask the patient to demonstrate the instillation of the medications. This allows the nurse to directly observe the patient’s technique, identify any errors, and provide immediate feedback and instruction. It also gives the patient an opportunity to ask questions and clarify any misunderstandings. This method is often referred to as the “show-back” or “teach-back” method and is widely used in patient education to confirm understanding and competency.
Choice B rationale
While assessing the patient for any previous inability to self-manage medications can provide useful information, it does not directly assess the patient’s ability to self-administer the new eye medications. Previous difficulties may be due to factors that do not apply to the current situation, such as complex medication regimens, cognitive impairment, or lack of resources.
Choice C rationale
Although the patient accurately describing the directions for administering the medications indicates that the patient understands the instructions, it does not necessarily mean that the patient can perform the task correctly. Physical limitations, dexterity issues, or misunderstanding of the instructions can still result in incorrect administration.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the patient’s functional status can provide valuable information about the patient’s overall ability to perform activities of daily living, including medication management.
However, it does not specifically assess the patient’s ability to self-administer eye medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
After a lumbar puncture, it is important for the patient to lie flat for approximately 6 hours. This position helps to prevent headaches that can occur after the procedure, which are caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid at the needle puncture site. Lying flat allows the puncture site to seal and prevents the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.
Choice B rationale
Having the patient lie in a semi-Fowler’s position with the head of the bed at 35 degrees is not typically recommended immediately after a lumbar puncture. This position could potentially increase the risk of a post-lumbar puncture headache.
Choice C rationale
Early ambulation is not recommended after a lumbar puncture. Moving around too soon after the procedure can increase the risk of a headache and may also increase the risk of complications at the puncture site.
Choice D rationale
Having the patient lie flat for 1 hour, then sit up for 1 hour before ambulating is not a typical recommendation after a lumbar puncture. The standard recommendation is to have the patient lie flat for approximately 6 hours to reduce the risk of complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Postoperative delirium is a common condition that can occur in older patients after surgery, especially major procedures like hip arthroplasty. It is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion and altered consciousness. This type of delirium is indeed treatable and most patients’ cognition will return to its previous levels. The treatment often involves addressing the underlying causes, such as pain, medication effects, or metabolic imbalances, and providing supportive care. It’s important for the family to understand that this is a temporary condition and does not indicate a permanent change in their loved one’s mental status.
Choice B rationale
While anesthetics can contribute to postoperative delirium, the condition is usually multifactorial and not solely due to the anesthetic used in surgery. Therefore, administering antidotes to the anesthetic is not typically how postoperative delirium is managed. Instead, the focus is on treating the underlying causes and providing supportive care.
Choice C rationale
Delirium does involve a disturbance in cognition, including memory impairment, but it does not involve a progressive decline in memory loss and overall cognitive function. That description is more characteristic of dementia, a different condition. Delirium is typically a temporary condition that improves once the underlying cause is addressed.
Choice D rationale
While postoperative delirium is often self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own over time, it is not accurate to say there is nothing to worry about. Postoperative delirium can be distressing for the patient and their family, and in some cases, it can be associated with longer hospital stays and increased morbidity. Therefore, it is a condition that should be taken seriously and managed appropriately.
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