While interviewing a newly admitted older female client, the nurse observes that the client ignores questions asked by the nurse, and speaks loudly to her son who brought her to the hospital. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Stand directly in front of the client and ask about any hearing loss
Perform a mental status exam to assess the client's thought processes.
Begin to orient the client to her surroundings in the hospital room
Obtain a tuning fork to complete Rinne and Weber tuning fork tests.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Stand directly in front of the client and ask about any hearing loss:
The client's behavior of ignoring questions and speaking loudly to her son may suggest a hearing impairment. By standing directly in front of the client and asking about any hearing loss, the nurse can assess whether hearing impairment might be contributing to the communication difficulties. This action addresses a potential physiological cause of the observed behavior and allows the nurse to gather essential information to adapt communication strategies effectively.
B) Perform a mental status exam to assess the client's thought processes:
While assessing the client's mental status is important, the observed behavior may be more indicative of a communication issue related to hearing loss rather than a cognitive impairment. Therefore, assessing hearing status would be more appropriate as the initial action.
C) Begin to orient the client to her surroundings in the hospital room:
Orienting the client to her surroundings is important for promoting comfort and reducing confusion, but it may not directly address the observed communication difficulties. Assessing for hearing loss should be prioritized to determine if it contributes to the client's behavior.
D) Obtain a tuning fork to complete Rinne and Weber tuning fork tests:
Conducting Rinne and Weber tuning fork tests may be indicated to assess hearing acuity and differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. However, obtaining a tuning fork and performing these tests should occur after gathering initial information about the client's hearing status through direct questioning. Therefore, assessing for hearing loss should be the first action taken by the nurse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Ask the client to complete a common proverb or saying:
While completing a common proverb or saying can provide some insight into speech patterns, it may not offer a comprehensive assessment of the client's speech abilities. Additionally, the client's familiarity with specific proverbs or sayings could influence their performance.
B) Have the client repeat a phrase containing alliteration:
Having the client repeat a phrase containing alliteration can assess specific aspects of speech, such as articulation and fluency. However, it may not provide a holistic assessment of speech patterns and may not be suitable for all clients.
C) Note the client's responses during the initial interview:
This approach allows the nurse to observe the client's spontaneous speech patterns, including articulation, fluency, rate, and coherence, during the natural flow of conversation. It provides a comprehensive assessment of speech abilities in various contexts.
D) Listen while the client reads items listed on the menu:
While listening to the client read items on a menu can assess reading ability and pronunciation, it may not fully capture speech patterns in spontaneous conversation or communication. Additionally, it may not be relevant to clients who may have difficulty reading or have limited literacy skills.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Hyperactive bowel sounds:
Hyperactive bowel sounds are typically characterized by loud, high-pitched gurgles heard throughout the abdomen. They are often associated with increased intestinal motility, such as in gastroenteritis or diarrhea, rather than a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area.
B) A minor variation:
A minor variation may refer to a benign finding or a slight deviation from the norm. However, a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area would not typically be considered a minor variation and may warrant further investigation.
C) Possible renal artery stenosis:
A low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area could indicate a renal artery bruit, which is a sign of renal artery stenosis. Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of the renal artery, often due to atherosclerosis, which can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys. A renal artery bruit may be auscultated over the renal arteries and is indicative of turbulent blood flow through the narrowed artery.
D) Normal borborygmus sounds:
Borborygmi are normal bowel sounds characterized by gurgling, rumbling, or growling noises produced by the movement of gas and fluid in the intestines. However, a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area would not typically be described as normal borborygmi. Borborygmi are usually heard at a higher frequency and throughout the abdomen.
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