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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.
Choice B rationale
A serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL (442 µmol/L) is significantly elevated, indicating impaired kidney function. This is a critical lab value that should be reported to the surgeon immediately, as it could impact the patient’s ability to safely undergo surgery and recover postoperatively.

Choice C rationale
A hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL (130 g/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.
Choice D rationale
A potassium level of 4 mEq/L (4 mmol/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.

A. Vegetarian lasagna with cheese and spinach, a tossed green salad with ranch dressing, and fresh fruit. B. Fried chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green beans, sliced tomatoes, and fresh apple pie. C. Grilled fish with whole-grain brown rice, steamed broccoli, and a pear poached in red wine. D. Lean hamburger with cheese, tomato, and lettuce on a whole-wheat bun, and angel food cake.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Vegetarian lasagna with cheese and spinach, a tossed green salad with ranch dressing, and fresh fruit is a balanced meal. However, it may not be the best choice for a patient with type 2 diabetes due to the high carbohydrate content in the lasagna and the dressing.
Choice B rationale
Fried chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green beans, sliced tomatoes, and fresh apple pie is not the best choice for a patient with type 2 diabetes. Fried foods and mashed potatoes are high in carbohydrates and fats, which can raise blood sugar levels.
Choice C rationale
Grilled fish with whole-grain brown rice, steamed broccoli, and a pear poached in red wine is a good choice for a patient with type 2 diabetes. This meal is balanced with lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables, which can help control blood sugar levels.

Choice D rationale
Lean hamburger with cheese, tomato, and lettuce on a whole-wheat bun, and angel food cake is not the best choice for a patient with type 2 diabetes. Although the hamburger is lean, the whole-wheat bun and angel food cake are high in carbohydrates, which can raise blood sugar levels.

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