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The nurse is performing an initial assessment of a client who has an expressionless facial affect, slurred speech, and red conjunctivae. Which question should the nurse ask first? "Have you..."

been sleeping well?"

been depressed lately?"

had anything to eat in the last 24 hours?"

ever had problems with your blood sugar?"

None

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Answer: A. "Have you been sleeping well?"

Rationale:

A) "Have you been sleeping well?": Sleep deprivation can lead to symptoms such as an expressionless facial affect, slurred speech, and red conjunctivae. Assessing for sleep patterns is a priority to rule out this common and reversible cause of the client's symptoms. Sleep deprivation can also exacerbate other underlying conditions.

B) "Have you been depressed lately?": While depression could explain the expressionless affect, it does not typically cause slurred speech or red conjunctivae. Depression can be assessed later if other immediate causes are ruled out.

C) "Have you had anything to eat in the last 24 hours?": Poor nutritional intake could contribute to fatigue or weakness but is less likely to cause all the observed symptoms (expressionless affect, slurred speech, and red conjunctivae). This question is important but not the first priority.

D) "Have you ever had problems with your blood sugar?": Blood sugar imbalances, particularly hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, can cause neurological changes. However, the symptoms described are less specific to blood sugar issues and more indicative of sleep or neurological concerns, making this question less immediately relevant.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Ask about recent abdominal trauma:
While abdominal trauma could potentially cause changes in the appearance of the umbilicus, such as bruising or swelling, it is not the most likely explanation for a depressed umbilicus below the surface of the abdomen. Additionally, without further evidence or symptoms suggestive of trauma, it may not be necessary to immediately inquire about recent abdominal trauma.

B) Observe the midline for scarring:
Observing the midline for scarring may be relevant if there are signs of previous surgical procedures or other abdominal interventions. However, the presence of a depressed umbilicus below the surface of the abdomen does not necessarily indicate scarring or previous surgery.

C) Document the normal finding:
A depressed umbilicus below the surface of the abdomen is a normal anatomical variation in some individuals, particularly those with a more slender build or a deeper abdominal cavity. It does not typically indicate pathology or require further intervention.

D) Palpate the area for masses:
Palpating the area for masses may be indicated if there are other signs or symptoms suggestive of abdominal pathology, but a depressed umbilicus alone is not typically an indication for palpation. In the absence of other concerning findings, it may be unnecessary and potentially uncomfortable for the client to perform palpation based solely on the observation of a depressed umbilicus.

A. Stand directly in front of the client and ask about any hearing loss B. Perform a mental status exam to assess the client's thought processes. C. Begin to orient the client to her surroundings in the hospital room D. Obtain a tuning fork to complete Rinne and Weber tuning fork tests.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Stand directly in front of the client and ask about any hearing loss:
The client's behavior of ignoring questions and speaking loudly to her son may suggest a hearing impairment. By standing directly in front of the client and asking about any hearing loss, the nurse can assess whether hearing impairment might be contributing to the communication difficulties. This action addresses a potential physiological cause of the observed behavior and allows the nurse to gather essential information to adapt communication strategies effectively.

B) Perform a mental status exam to assess the client's thought processes:
While assessing the client's mental status is important, the observed behavior may be more indicative of a communication issue related to hearing loss rather than a cognitive impairment. Therefore, assessing hearing status would be more appropriate as the initial action.

C) Begin to orient the client to her surroundings in the hospital room:
Orienting the client to her surroundings is important for promoting comfort and reducing confusion, but it may not directly address the observed communication difficulties. Assessing for hearing loss should be prioritized to determine if it contributes to the client's behavior.

D) Obtain a tuning fork to complete Rinne and Weber tuning fork tests:
Conducting Rinne and Weber tuning fork tests may be indicated to assess hearing acuity and differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. However, obtaining a tuning fork and performing these tests should occur after gathering initial information about the client's hearing status through direct questioning. Therefore, assessing for hearing loss should be the first action taken by the nurse.

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The nurse is performing an initial assessment of a client who has an expressionless facial affect, slurred speech, and red conjunctivae. Which question should the nurse ask first? "Have you..."

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

During assessment of a client's abdomen, the nurse observes that the client's umbilicus is depressed and below the surface of the abdomen. Which action should the nurse take in response to this observation?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

While interviewing a newly admitted older female client, the nurse observes that the client ignores questions asked by the nurse, and speaks loudly to her son who brought her to the hospital. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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