The nurse is obtaining a health history for a client prior to a scheduled cholecystectomy. While interviewing the client, which assessment technique should the nurse use when asking about the client's use of illegal drugs and alcohol?

Allow the client to decline answering social questions.

Obtain a drug urine screen to verify legitimacy of client's stated history.

Use the term illegal or illicit to describe street drugs.

Ask specifically about alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and amounts.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A Reason:
Allowing the client to decline answering social questions is inappropriate. This approach respects the client's autonomy and privacy by giving them the option to decline answering questions they may feel uncomfortable or unwilling to discuss. However, for the purpose of ensuring comprehensive care and assessing potential risks associated with substance use, it's important for the nurse to gather relevant information about the client's use of illegal drugs and alcohol.
Choice B Reason:
Obtaining a drug urine screen to verify legitimacy of client's stated history is inappropriate. While obtaining a drug urine screen may provide objective information about recent drug use, it may not be indicated during the initial health history and may not accurately reflect the client's past substance use history. Additionally, relying solely on laboratory testing without actively engaging the client in open communication may hinder the development of trust and rapport between the client and the healthcare provider.
Choice C Reason:
Using the term illegal or illicit to describe street drugs is inappropriate. Using the terms "illegal" or "illicit" may carry negative connotations and could potentially stigmatize the client's substance use. This approach may create barriers to open communication and may not accurately capture the client's experiences or perceptions regarding their substance use. Additionally, it's important to use language that is respectful and nonjudgmental when discussing sensitive topics such as substance use.
Choice D Reason:
Asking specifically about alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and amounts is appropriate. This approach is the most appropriate because it directly addresses the substances of concern and allows for comprehensive assessment of the client's substance use history. By asking specifically about commonly used substances and their amounts, the nurse ensures that key information is gathered in a respectful and nonjudgmental manner, facilitating open communication and accurate assessment of the client's needs.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

a. "Motor responses."Motor responses are important in assessing neurological function, but they are typically assessed after determining the client's overall level of consciousness and alertness. Motor responses are usually assessed when the client is unresponsive or has altered consciousness.

b. "Eye opening."Eye opening is part of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and is an important indicator of neurological function. However, it is generally assessed after determining the client's level of alertness.

c. "Verbal response."Verbal response is another component of the GCS, assessing how the client responds to verbal stimuli. This assessment also follows the initial determination of the client’s alertness.

d. "Level of alertness."The level of alertness is the first and most fundamental aspect to assess because it gives the nurse a baseline understanding of how aware the client is of their surroundings. This assessment sets the stage for further evaluation of motor, eye, and verbal responses. It helps determine the client's ability to interact and respond to stimuli, guiding subsequent assessments.

A. Normal mental status for age. B. Impaired concentration. C. Impaired memory. D. Impaired thinking.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Normal mental status for age is incorrect. This choice would not be the most accurate conclusion based on the client's response. While it's possible that the client's response could be influenced by factors such as cultural background or personal interpretation, the inability to understand the metaphorical meaning of a commonly known proverb might suggest some level of cognitive impairment or difficulty with abstract thinking. Therefore, it would be premature to conclude that the client's response reflects a normal mental status for her age.
Choice B Reason:
Impaired concentration is incorrect. Impaired concentration would manifest as difficulty maintaining focus our attention during the interaction. However, the client's response doesn't suggest a lack of attention or focus. Instead, it indicates a misinterpretation of the proverb, which is more indicative of impaired thinking or difficulty understanding abstract concepts rather than impaired concentration.
Choice C Reason:
Impaired memory is incorrect. Impaired memory would typically involve difficulty recalling information or events from the past. In this scenario, the client is able to recall the phrase "Glass Houses" but demonstrates difficulty understanding its meaning. Therefore, impaired memory is not the most appropriate conclusion based on the client's response. Instead, the response suggests impaired thinking or difficulty with abstract reasoning.
Choice D Reason:
Impaired thinking is correct. The client's response indicates difficulty understanding the metaphorical meaning of the proverb "Glass Houses," which typically implies that those who live in fragile or vulnerable situations should avoid criticizing others, as they themselves are also vulnerable to criticism or judgment. Instead, the client's response focuses on the literal interpretation of the phrase, suggesting impaired thinking or difficulty grasping abstract concepts.

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The nurse is obtaining a health history for a client prior to a scheduled cholecystectomy. While interviewing the client, which assessment technique should the nurse use when asking about the client's use of illegal drugs and alcohol?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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