The primary caregiver of an elderly patient contacts the nurse at the outpatient clinic due to a sudden change in the patient’s behavior.
The caregiver informs the nurse that the patient, who is usually oriented and able to answer Questions, is now confused and agitated.
What actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply)
Inquire if the patient is experiencing any pain during urination.
Encourage the patient to increase their intake of high-protein foods.
Review the patient’s current food and medication allergies.
Determine if the patient has recently experienced a fall.
Provide instructions on how to take the patient’s temperature.
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Choice A rationale
A sudden change in behavior, especially confusion and agitation, in an elderly patient could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Pain during urination is a common symptom of UTIs.
Therefore, it is crucial to inquire if the patient is experiencing any pain during urination.
Choice B rationale
While a high-protein diet can be beneficial for some patients, there is no direct link between increased protein intake and the alleviation of confusion or agitation in elderly patients.
Therefore, this option is not a necessary immediate action for the nurse to take.
Choice C rationale
Reviewing the patient’s current food and medication allergies is important. Certain medications or foods might cause adverse reactions, including confusion and agitation. Therefore, it is crucial to review the patient’s allergies to rule out any potential allergens as the cause of the sudden change in behavior.
Choice D rationale
A recent fall could potentially lead to a head injury, which might cause confusion and agitation. Therefore, it is important to determine if the patient has recently experienced a fall.
Choice E rationale
Providing instructions on how to take the patient’s temperature is important. Fever could be a sign of an infection or other medical condition that might cause confusion and agitation.
Therefore, knowing how to accurately measure the patient’s temperature can help monitor the patient’s condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pregabalin is a medication used to treat nerve pain, particularly in conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A reduced level of pain would indicate that the medication is effective.
Choice B rationale
Improved visual acuity is not a typical outcome of pregabalin treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Pregabalin does not typically affect vision.
Choice C rationale
Full volume of pedal pulses is not a typical outcome of pregabalin treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Pregabalin does not typically affect circulation.
Choice D rationale
Granulating tissue in a foot ulcer is not a typical outcome of pregabalin treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Pregabalin does not typically affect wound healing.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Activating the synchronization mode is important during cardioversion to avoid delivering a shock during the vulnerable period of cardiac repolarization, which could potentially cause a life-threatening arrhythmia. However, it is not the most crucial action.
Choice B rationale
Choosing a monitor lead with a tall R wave can help ensure that the cardioverter-defibrillator can sense the patient’s intrinsic cardiac activity. However, this is not the most crucial action.
Choice C rationale
Administering the prescribed sedative is the most crucial action before initiating cardioversion. Sedation is necessary to ensure patient comfort and cooperation during the procedure, as cardioversion can be painful.
Choice D rationale
Verifying the prothrombin time (PT) is important in patients receiving anticoagulation therapy, as atrial fibrillation increases the risk of thrombus formation. However, it is not the most crucial action before initiating cardioversion.
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