The nurse is reviewing the client's admission assessment to determine contributing factors to the client's change in mental status.
An older adult client was transferred to the ICU after they developed fever and hypotension. The client was initially admitted 4 days ago with a left hip fracture and subsequently underwent total left hip arthroplasty.
The client is alert and oriented to person, place, and time.
Past Medical History: hypertension, congestive heart failure, Parkinson's disease
Social History: Client has visual loss without their glasses. The client is hard of hearing with hearing aids in place.
An older adult client
fever and hypotension
left hip fracture
total left hip arthroplasty
hypertension
congestive heart failure
Parkinson's disease
visual loss without their glasses
hard of hearing with hearing aids in place.
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","G","H"]
Rationale:
• An older adult client is at high risk for delirium due to age-related changes in the brain and reduced physiological reserve. ICU environments and acute illness increase susceptibility in older adults. Age over 65 is a primary risk factor in many validated delirium screening tools.
• Fever and hypotension suggest a systemic infection and possible sepsis, which can impair cerebral perfusion. This can trigger acute confusion or delirium, especially in vulnerable individuals. The combination of infection and low blood pressure disrupts normal brain function.
• Total left hip arthroplasty involves major surgery and potential postoperative complications such as infection or pain. Surgical trauma, anesthesia, and immobility all increase delirium risk. Recent surgery also increases inflammatory cytokine activity affecting cognition.
• Past medical history: Parkinson’s disease is linked to higher delirium risk due to existing neurotransmitter imbalances. The condition often coexists with cognitive decline or medication interactions. Parkinson’s-related brain changes make acute confusion more likely.
• Visual loss without glasses limits sensory input and orientation cues, contributing to perceptual disturbances. Poor vision can lead to misinterpretation of surroundings, promoting hallucinations or paranoia. Environmental disorientation is a key factor in ICU-related delirium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","G"]
Explanation
Rationale:
- Heart rate: A heart rate of 118/min indicates tachycardia, which may be a compensatory response to hypovolemia or blood loss. Combined with low blood pressure and low hemoglobin/hematocrit, it raises concern for active gastrointestinal bleeding and hemodynamic instability.
- Stool results: A positive hemoccult test confirms gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when paired with the client’s report of dark, tarry stools (melena). This requires prompt evaluation and may indicate upper GI bleeding, such as from a peptic ulcer.
- Current medications: The client is taking high-dose ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which can cause or worsen gastric ulcers and bleeding. Continued use should be stopped immediately and replaced with safer alternatives.
- WBC count: The WBC count is within the normal range and does not indicate an active infection or inflammatory process at this time. It does not require urgent follow-up compared to other findings.
- Hemoglobin and hematocrit: The client’s hemoglobin (9.1 g/dL) and hematocrit (27%) are significantly low, suggesting blood loss likely due to GI bleeding. These values warrant urgent follow-up and possible transfusion depending on symptoms and stability.
- Temperature: The client’s temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) is slightly elevated but within normal limits and not a priority concern. There are no signs of infection or fever that require immediate follow-up.
- Blood pressure: A BP of 90/50 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which is concerning in the context of GI bleeding and low hemoglobin. This may reflect hypovolemia and requires prompt fluid management and monitoring.
- Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 18/min is within normal limits and does not indicate respiratory distress. It does not require immediate follow-up in this context.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "You should replace your diaphragm every 2 years": Diaphragms generally need to be replaced every 1 to 2 years, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines and wear and tear. However, it is more important to be aware of refitting needs related to physiological changes.
B. "You should be refitted for your diaphragm if you have a 10 percent weight fluctuation.": Significant weight changes, usually around 10 to 15 percent, can alter pelvic anatomy and affect diaphragm fit, increasing the risk of contraceptive failure. Therefore, refitting is recommended after notable weight fluctuations.
C. "You should insert the diaphragm when your bladder is full.": The bladder should be empty when inserting the diaphragm to avoid discomfort and ensure proper placement over the cervix. A full bladder can cause displacement and increase the risk of failure.
D. "You should remove your diaphragm 4 hours after intercourse.": The diaphragm should be left in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse to ensure adequate sperm immobilization and contraceptive effectiveness. Removing it too early may increase the risk of pregnancy.
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