The nurse is precepting a new nurse who is caring for a patient with a history of Huntington’s disease. The new nurse is preparing to feed the patient lunch.
What action by the new nurse would cause the precepting nurse to intervene?
The patient is lying in bed with their head elevated to 35 degrees.
The nurse provides thickened liquids per the orders.
The nurse does not rush the patient in eating each bite.
The nurse ensures that the patient’s food is minced.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The patient lying in bed with their head elevated to 35 degrees while eating could pose a risk for aspiration, especially for a patient with Huntington’s disease. Huntington’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that can cause difficulties with swallowing and motor control.
Therefore, it is recommended that the patient be as upright as possible, ideally in a seated position, during meals to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Choice B rationale
Providing thickened liquids is a common intervention for patients with Huntington’s disease who have difficulty swallowing. Thickened liquids are easier to control and swallow, reducing the risk of aspiration.
Choice C rationale
Not rushing the patient in eating each bite is a recommended practice. Patients with Huntington’s disease often have difficulty with motor control, including swallowing. Allowing the patient to take their time can help prevent choking and aspiration.
Choice D rationale
Ensuring that the patient’s food is minced is another recommended practice for patients with Huntington’s disease. Minced food is easier to chew and swallow, which can help prevent choking and aspiration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Triptans, a class of medications commonly used to treat migraines, can cause vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels. This can be problematic for patients with angina, a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart. Vasoconstriction could potentially exacerbate this condition, leading to an increased risk of a heart attack. Therefore, the use of triptans may be contraindicated in patients with angina.
Choice B rationale
While asthma is a serious condition that requires careful management, it is not typically considered a contraindication for the use of triptans. Triptans work primarily on the blood vessels in the brain and do not typically interact with the bronchial tubes affected by asthma.
Choice C rationale
Age alone is not typically a contraindication for the use of triptans. However, older adults may have a higher risk of certain health conditions, such as heart disease, which could make the use of triptans more risky. It’s important for healthcare providers to consider the overall health status of the patient, not just their age, when deciding whether to prescribe triptans.
Choice D rationale
While stress can certainly exacerbate migraines, it is not typically a contraindication for the use of triptans. Triptans are designed to relieve the pain and other symptoms of migraines, regardless of their cause. If a patient’s migraines are triggered by stress, it may be beneficial to explore stress management techniques in addition to medication.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication that can occur in comatose patients. Immobility is a major risk factor for VTE, and comatose patients are often immobile. Therefore, nurses should be vigilant for signs of VTE, such as swelling, pain, or redness in the extremities.
Choice B rationale
Hemorrhage is not typically a direct complication of coma. However, the underlying cause of the coma, such as a traumatic brain injury, could potentially lead to hemorrhage.
Choice C rationale
Contractures, or the shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, can occur in comatose patients due to prolonged immobility. Regular movement and physiotherapy can help prevent this complication.
Choice D rationale
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a common complication in comatose patients. They occur when there is prolonged pressure on the skin, usually over bony areas. Regular turning and good skin care can help prevent pressure ulcers.
Choice E rationale
Pneumonia is a common complication in comatose patients, often resulting from aspiration (inhaling food, stomach acid, or saliva into the lungs)2. Nurses should be vigilant for signs of pneumonia, such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
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