While caring for a client with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the nurse performs a neurological assessment every four hours. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

Increasing anxiety

Inappropriate laughter

Weakened cough effort

Asymmetrical weakness

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Increasing anxiety:
While emotional and psychological aspects are important in holistic care, immediate intervention is usually required for physiological concerns. Increasing anxiety may need attention, but it is not as urgent as addressing potential respiratory issues.

B. Inappropriate laughter:
Changes in emotional expression, such as inappropriate laughter, can occur in ALS due to involvement of upper motor neurons. While notable, it may not be as urgent as addressing respiratory concerns.

C. Weakened cough effort.
In ALS, respiratory muscles can become affected as the disease progresses, leading to respiratory complications. Weakened cough effort is concerning because it can indicate potential respiratory muscle weakness, which may lead to difficulty clearing secretions and an increased risk of respiratory compromise or infection.

D. Asymmetrical weakness:
Asymmetrical weakness is a common feature of ALS, but it may not necessarily warrant immediate intervention unless there are sudden changes or signs of acute distress. Respiratory symptoms, such as weakened cough effort, often require more immediate attention.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Move the client to a private room, keep the door closed, and initiate droplet precautions:
This is the correct answer. Given the client's symptoms and potential exposure to COVID-19, it is important to take infection control measures. Placing the client in a private room, keeping the door closed, and initiating droplet precautions help prevent the potential spread of the virus.

B. Start an intravenous infusion for antiviral drug to be administered for positive COVID-19 test results:
Antiviral medications are typically prescribed based on confirmed COVID-19 test results and the severity of symptoms. Starting an intravenous infusion at this stage, before test results are available, is premature and not indicated.

C. Counsel family members to monitor for illness symptoms for 2 weeks after last contact with the patient:
While it is important for family members to monitor for symptoms, the immediate concern is the isolation and testing of the symptomatic client. Contact tracing may follow, but infection control measures for the client are the priority.

D. Assist the client to recall everyone possibly exposed since onset of symptoms:
While contact tracing is important, the immediate action is to isolate the client and initiate precautions. Contact tracing can be done as part of a broader public health response but is not the initial step.

A. Discuss approaches to chronic pain control with the client. B. Review the client's dietary intake of high-protein foods. C. Notify the healthcare provider of the finding immediately. D. Assess the client's radial pulses and capillary refill time.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Discuss approaches to chronic pain control with the client:
This is the correct answer. Heberden's nodes are bony enlargements that can occur in osteoarthritis, particularly in the joints of the fingers. These nodes can be associated with pain. Discussing approaches to chronic pain control with the client is an appropriate nursing intervention to address the client's pain and improve quality of life.

B. Review the client's dietary intake of high-protein foods:
Dietary intake of high-protein foods is not directly related to the management of Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease. Pain control and joint protection measures are more relevant.

C. Notify the healthcare provider of the finding immediately:
While it's important to communicate significant findings to the healthcare provider, the presence of Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease may not require immediate notification unless there are other concerning symptoms or complications.

D. Assess the client's radial pulses and capillary refill time:
Assessing radial pulses and capillary refill time is not directly related to managing Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease. These nodes are primarily a result of joint changes in osteoarthritis.

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While caring for a client with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the nurse performs a neurological assessment every four hours. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing to obtain a rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) test for a client who was exposed to the virus eight days ago. The client is experiencing fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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