The spouse of an older client experiencing delirium is at the client's bedside. The nurse is providing an update to the spouse regarding the client's plan of care. Which of the following responses by the spouse indicates a need for further teaching?
"l brought an updated list of all the medications he takes at home to help you and the doctors determine what the cause of this could be."
"l notified our family members that they should not come visit for a while, until they are better."
"l am not worried. This sort of thing happens all the time to us 'old people.'"
"l am trying to stay positive. I know that most people return to normal, but it is hard to see them like this."
None
None
The Correct Answer is C
Answer: C. "I am not worried. This sort of thing happens all the time to us 'old people.'"
A. "I brought an updated list of all the medications he takes at home to help you and the doctors determine what the cause of this could be."
This response indicates understanding and proactive involvement in the client’s care. An updated medication list is crucial in evaluating potential causes of delirium, as certain medications or interactions can contribute to changes in mental status.
B. "I notified our family members that they should not come visit for a while, until they are better."
This statement reflects an understanding of the need for a calm environment for the client experiencing delirium. Reducing stimuli and visitors can help the client focus on recovery. It indicates the spouse is aware of the potential impact of social interactions on the client’s condition.
C. "I am not worried. This sort of thing happens all the time to us 'old people.'"
This response indicates a need for further teaching. It reflects a possible misunderstanding of delirium as a normal part of aging, which can be dismissive of the seriousness of the condition. Delirium is often a sign of underlying medical issues and should be treated with concern and urgency. Clients and their families need to understand that delirium is not a typical or benign occurrence and requires appropriate evaluation and intervention.
D. "I am trying to stay positive. I know that most people return to normal, but it is hard to see them like this."
This statement indicates a hopeful attitude while acknowledging the difficulty of the situation. It shows understanding that recovery is possible and reflects the spouse's emotional processing of the situation. Maintaining a positive outlook can be beneficial for both the client and the family during recovery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A decrease in systolic blood pressure greater than 10 mm Hg during inspiration: Pulsus paradoxus is an exaggerated decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration. Normally, there is a slight decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration due to increased intrathoracic pressure and decreased venous return to the heart. However, in conditions such as cardiac tamponade or severe asthma exacerbations, the decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration is more pronounced (>10 mm Hg), indicating impaired cardiac output and decreased left ventricular filling during inspiration.
B. A decrease in heart rate greater than 10/min when lying down: This finding is not indicative of pulsus paradoxus. Pulsus paradoxus primarily refers to changes in systolic blood pressure during inspiration rather than alterations in heart rate when lying down.
C. An increase in diastolic blood pressure greater than 10 mm Hg during inspiration: This finding is not indicative of pulsus paradoxus. Pulsus paradoxus is characterized by an exaggerated decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration, not changes in diastolic blood pressure.
D. An increase in heart rate greater than 20/min when standing: This finding is not indicative of pulsus paradoxus. Pulsus paradoxus primarily refers to changes in systolic blood pressure during inspiration rather than alterations in heart rate when standing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decrease sedation: Decreasing sedation may help reduce intracranial pressure (ICP) by allowing the client to have a more responsive level of consciousness. However, it is not a direct treatment for brain herniation. Sedation reduction should be done cautiously to prevent agitation and further increases in ICP.
B. Hyperventilate the client: Hyperventilation is a temporary intervention used to reduce intracranial pressure by inducing cerebral vasoconstriction, which decreases cerebral blood flow and intracranial volume. However, it is typically reserved for acute situations and is not considered a definitive treatment for brain herniation. Prolonged or excessive hyperventilation can lead to cerebral ischemia and should be used cautiously.
C. Lower blood pressure: Lowering blood pressure may help reduce cerebral perfusion pressure, which can mitigate the risk of further brain injury during herniation. However, lowering blood pressure alone is not a direct treatment for brain herniation. It may be part of the overall management strategy to prevent secondary injury.
D. Reduce the temperature in the room: Reducing the temperature in the room, or therapeutic hypothermia, is sometimes used in the management of elevated intracranial pressure and brain injury. Lowering body temperature can reduce metabolic demands and cerebral edema, thereby lowering intracranial pressure. However, it is not a direct treatment for brain herniation and should be implemented cautiously to prevent complications such as shivering and hypotension.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
