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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) Paresthesia: Paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations such as tingling, pricking, or numbness, typically without an external stimulus. The client's ability to discriminate two points at specific distances on the fingertips and palms does not indicate abnormal sensations or paresthesia.

B) Rebound reaction to the needle points: A rebound reaction would involve a delayed response or heightened sensitivity following the removal of a stimulus. This test does not measure rebound reactions but rather the ability to discriminate two separate points.

C) Normal sensory finding: The ability to sense two points at a distance of 3 mm on the fingertips and 10 mm on the palms is within the normal range for two-point discrimination. The fingertips typically have a higher density of sensory receptors and thus can discriminate smaller distances between two points, whereas the palms have fewer receptors and require a greater distance to discern two points.

D) Marginal decline in sensory function: The described ability to sense two points at these specific distances does not indicate a decline in sensory function. It aligns with normal findings for a middle-aged adult.

A. Ambulatory and disoriented to place. B. Wandering behavior with flat affect. C. Appears confused and depressed. D. Demonstrates signs of early dementia.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Answer: B. Wandering behavior with flat affect.

Rationale:

A. Ambulatory and disoriented to place:
This documentation suggests that the client is physically able to walk but does not adequately capture the behavioral aspect of the observation. While the client may be ambulatory, merely stating disorientation does not convey the lack of engagement or emotional response, which is crucial in understanding the client's mental state and overall condition.

B. Wandering behavior with flat affect:
This option accurately reflects the observed behavior of the client. "Wandering behavior" captures the aimless walking, while "flat affect" describes the lack of emotional expression indicated by the blank stare. This documentation provides a clearer picture of the client's mental status, which is vital for further assessment and intervention.

C. Appears confused and depressed:
While confusion may be a relevant aspect of the client's condition, this statement lacks specificity regarding the observed behaviors. Depression cannot be accurately concluded from the blank expression alone, as it may not reflect sadness or mood but rather a cognitive or perceptual issue. More objective descriptors would enhance the clarity of the documentation.

D. Demonstrates signs of early dementia:
This option makes a definitive statement about the possibility of early dementia without sufficient evidence from the observation. While aimless walking and a blank expression can be associated with cognitive decline, diagnosing dementia requires comprehensive assessment and evaluation beyond a single observation. This phrasing could mislead healthcare providers regarding the client’s condition and may lead to premature conclusions about the client’s cognitive health.

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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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse observes an older adult client walking aimlessly in the hallway and staring straight ahead with a blank expression. How should the nurse enter documentation of this finding in the client's electronic medical record (EMR)?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:

After placing a client in a supine position, the nurse uses the diaphragm of the stethoscope to auscultate bowel sounds and hears a loud, high pitched almost continuous gurgling in two quadrants. Which action should the nurse implement?

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