The primary caregiver of an older adult client calls the nurse at the outpatient clinic due to a sudden onset of changes in the client's behavior. The caregiver reports to the nurse that the client normally is oriented and able to answer questions but now is confused and agitated. What
action(s) should the nurse take? Select all that apply.
Ask if the client is experiencing any pain with urination.
Determine if the client has recently experienced a fall.
Provide instruction on taking the client's temperature.
Encourage increased intake of high protein foods.
Review the client's current food and medication allergies
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
A. Ask if the client is experiencing any pain with urination. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in older adults and can lead to sudden changes in behavior, including confusion and agitation.
B. Determine if the client has recently experienced a fall. Falls can lead to head injuries or other trauma that may cause confusion or changes in behavior in older adults.
C. Provide instruction on taking the client's temperature. Fever can be a sign of infection, which might be causing the sudden behavioral changes. Monitoring temperature can help identify if an infection is present.
D. Encourage increased intake of high protein foods. While good nutrition is important, it is not directly related to the sudden onset of confusion and agitation, making this a less immediate priority.
E. Review the client's current food and medication allergies. Allergic reactions to foods or
medications can cause sudden behavioral changes. Reviewing allergies can help determine if this is the cause of the symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. An adult client with no postoperative drainage in the Jackson-Pratt drain with the bulb compressed. This client is stable with no drainage from the Jackson-Pratt drain, indicating that there is no immediate issue that needs to be addressed. The bulb is compressed, suggesting proper function. Therefore, this client can be safely assessed last.
B. An adult client with a rectal tube draining clear, pale red liquid drainage. The presence of pale red drainage can indicate a potential issue that needs monitoring, such as bleeding or other complications, thus requiring a more timely assessment.
C. An older client with a distended abdomen and no drainage from the nasogastric tube. A distended abdomen and lack of drainage could indicate a blockage or other serious issue that needs immediate attention.
D. An older client with dark red drainage on a postoperative dressing, but no drainage in the Hemovac. Dark red drainage can indicate active bleeding, which is a critical issue that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent complications.
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Actions to Take:
A. Educate on disease process and management: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic
autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane, leading to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Educating the client about RA helps them understand the disease, its
progression, treatment options, and the importance of adherence to prescribed medications and lifestyle modifications. This empowers the client to actively participate in managing their condition and improve outcomes.
B. Turn every two hours to offload bony prominences to prevent pressure injuries: Rheumatoid arthritis predisposes individuals to joint deformities and immobility due to joint inflammation and pain. Immobility increases the risk of pressure injuries, especially over bony prominences. Turning the client every two hours helps redistribute pressure, reduces the risk of pressure ulcers, and maintains skin integrity.
Potential Condition:
D. Rheumatoid arthritis: The client's clinical presentation, including bilateral joint pain and stiffness, positive rheumatoid factor, positive antinuclear antibody test, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and soft tissue swelling with marginal erosions on hand X-rays, is consistent with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial joints, leading to joint damage, pain, and functional impairment.
Parameters to Monitor:
C. Pain: Monitoring pain is essential in rheumatoid arthritis management to assess the effectiveness of pain management interventions and adjust treatment accordingly. Pain assessment tools, such as numerical rating scales or visual analog scales, help quantify pain intensity and guide pain management strategies.
D. Skin breakdown: Rheumatoid arthritis can limit mobility and predispose individuals to prolonged immobility, increasing the risk of pressure injuries. Monitoring for signs of skin breakdown, such as erythema, blanchable or non-blanchable skin changes, and skin integrity over bony prominences, helps prevent pressure ulcers and facilitates early intervention if skin breakdown occurs. Regularly turning the client, maintaining proper positioning, and providing adequate support surfaces are essential to prevent pressure injuries.
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