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.
Obtain a tuning fork to complete Rinne and Weber tuning fork tests.
Begin to orient the client to her surroundings in the hospital room.
Perform a mental status exam to assess the client's thought processes.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Standing directly in front of the client and ask about any hearing loss is appropriate because the client's behavior of ignoring questions from the nurse and speaking loudly to her son suggests a potential hearing impairment. Standing directly in front of the client allows for better visibility of facial expressions and lip movements, which can aid in communication for individuals with hearing loss. Asking about any hearing loss helps the nurse gather important information to adapt communication strategies effectively.
Choice B Reason:
Obtaining a tuning fork to complete Rinne and Weber tuning fork tests involves conducting hearing tests using a tuning fork to assess for conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. While these tests are valuable for diagnosing hearing impairments, they are typically performed after obtaining a thorough history and initial assessment, including asking about any hearing loss. Therefore, this option is not the first action to take when communication difficulties are observed.
Choice C Reason:
Beginning to orient the client to her surroundings in the hospital room involves providing orientation to the client about her surroundings, which is important for promoting comfort and reducing anxiety, especially in a new environment like a hospital room. However, addressing potential hearing loss is the priority when the client's behavior suggests difficulty in communication. Once hearing impairment is ruled out or addressed, orientation to the surroundings can be initiated.
Choice D Reason:
Performing a mental status exam to assess the client's thought processes involves assessing the client's cognitive function and thought processes, which is important for understanding the client's overall mental status. While assessing mental status is an essential aspect of comprehensive nursing assessment, it may not directly address the observed communication difficulties related to potential hearing impairment. Therefore, addressing potential hearing loss should be the first action to ensure effective communication before proceeding with a mental status exam.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Macule is incorrect. A macule is a flat, discolored spot on the skin that is less than 1 centimeter in diameter. It does not contain fluid; instead, it represents a change in the color of the skin, such as a freckle or a flat mole. Macules are not filled with fluid; they are characterized by alterations in skin pigmentation without any elevation or depression.
Choice B Reason:
Papule is incorrect. A papule is a small, raised bump on the skin that is less than 1 centimeter in diameter. Papules do not contain fluid; instead, they result from localized cellular infiltration, inflammation, or proliferation in the skin layers. Examples of papules include acne lesions and insect bites.
Choice C Reason:
Wheal is correct. A wheal is a raised area of skin that is typically reddened and accompanied by itching. It contains fluid and is often associated with allergic reactions, insect bites, or hives.
Choice D Reason:
Vesicle is correct. A vesicle is a small, fluid-filled blister that appears on the skin. It contains clear fluid and can be caused by various factors such as infection, allergic reactions, or friction.
Choice E Reason:
Nodule is incorrect. A nodule is a solid, raised bump on the skin that is larger than 1 centimeter in diameter and extends into deeper layers of the skin. Similar to papules, nodules do not contain fluid; they are composed of tissue, such as fat, fibrous tissue, or tumors. Examples of nodules include lipomas and dermatofibromas.
Choice F Reason:
Pustule is correct. A pustule is a small, pus-filled blister that appears on the skin. It contains purulent fluid (pus) and is often associated with bacterial infections such as acne or folliculitis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Requesting diagnostic laboratory testing for the client is appropriate action. Enlargement of the thyroid gland can be indicative of various thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroid nodules. Diagnostic laboratory testing, such as thyroid function tests (TFTs), thyroid antibody testing, and possibly thyroid ultrasound, can help identify the underlying cause of the thyroid enlargement. These tests can include assessments of thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4, and TSH), antibodies, and imaging studies. Requesting diagnostic laboratory testing is essential to accurately diagnose the condition and guide appropriate management and treatment.
Choice B Reason:
Obtaining a dietary consultation for nutrition teaching is inappropriate action. While nutrition can play a role in overall thyroid health, obtaining a dietary consultation for nutrition teaching is not the most immediate action to take in response to finding an enlarged thyroid gland during palpation. Dietary consultation may be considered as part of comprehensive care for thyroid disorders, but it does not address the need for further evaluation and diagnosis of the thyroid enlargement.
Choice C Reason:
Instructing the client in the need to use iodized salt is inappropriate action. While iodine deficiency can contribute to thyroid disorders, instructing the client to use iodized salt is not the most immediate action to take in response to finding an enlarged thyroid gland during palpation. Using iodized salt may help prevent iodine deficiency, but it does not address the need for further evaluation and diagnosis of the thyroid enlargement.
Choice D Reason:
Scheduling a follow-up appointment in one month is inappropriate action. While scheduling a follow-up appointment may be necessary for ongoing monitoring and management of thyroid disorders, it is not the most immediate action to take in response to finding an enlarged thyroid gland during palpation. Further evaluation and diagnostic testing should be prioritized to determine the underlying cause of the thyroid enlargement and initiate appropriate treatment.
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