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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While participation in multiple-step activities can provide mental stimulation, it may be challenging for a patient with Alzheimer’s disease. These activities often require a level of cognitive functioning that may be impaired in Alzheimer’s patients. As a result, these activities could lead to frustration and agitation rather than fostering socialization.
Choice B rationale
Hobbies involving fine motor skills can be beneficial for maintaining dexterity and coordination. However, as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, these skills often decline. Therefore, while these hobbies may be enjoyable, they may not necessarily foster socialization.
Choice C rationale
Limiting visitors to one or two at a time can help to prevent overstimulation, which can be distressing for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Smaller, more intimate gatherings can also foster more meaningful social interactions. Therefore, this approach can be beneficial for promoting socialization.
Choice D rationale
While social interaction is important for people with Alzheimer’s disease, frequent lengthy visits from friends may be overwhelming and lead to fatigue. It’s important to balance socialization with rest and relaxation. Therefore, promoting frequent lengthy visits may not be the best approach to foster socialization.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Antiviral therapy is typically used to treat viral infections. However, meningitis is most commonly caused by bacteria. Therefore, antiviral therapy would not be the most effective treatment in this case.
Choice B rationale
Antibiotic therapy is the standard treatment for bacterial meningitis. The specific antibiotic or combination of antibiotics used depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Therefore, after reviewing lab results that suggest meningitis, the nurse would anticipate the provider to prescribe antibiotic therapy.
Choice C rationale
Antiemetics are medications that help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, which can be symptoms of meningitis, but they do not treat the underlying cause of meningitis.
Choice D rationale
Analgesics are used to relieve pain. While they might be used to manage the headache often associated with meningitis, they would not treat the infection itself.
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