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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Normal mental status for age is incorrect. This choice would not be the most accurate conclusion based on the client's response. While it's possible that the client's response could be influenced by factors such as cultural background or personal interpretation, the inability to understand the metaphorical meaning of a commonly known proverb might suggest some level of cognitive impairment or difficulty with abstract thinking. Therefore, it would be premature to conclude that the client's response reflects a normal mental status for her age.
Choice B Reason:
Impaired concentration is incorrect. Impaired concentration would manifest as difficulty maintaining focus our attention during the interaction. However, the client's response doesn't suggest a lack of attention or focus. Instead, it indicates a misinterpretation of the proverb, which is more indicative of impaired thinking or difficulty understanding abstract concepts rather than impaired concentration.
Choice C Reason:
Impaired memory is incorrect. Impaired memory would typically involve difficulty recalling information or events from the past. In this scenario, the client is able to recall the phrase "Glass Houses" but demonstrates difficulty understanding its meaning. Therefore, impaired memory is not the most appropriate conclusion based on the client's response. Instead, the response suggests impaired thinking or difficulty with abstract reasoning.
Choice D Reason:
Impaired thinking is correct. The client's response indicates difficulty understanding the metaphorical meaning of the proverb "Glass Houses," which typically implies that those who live in fragile or vulnerable situations should avoid criticizing others, as they themselves are also vulnerable to criticism or judgment. Instead, the client's response focuses on the literal interpretation of the phrase, suggesting impaired thinking or difficulty grasping abstract concepts.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hyperextension and palmar flexion are correct. Hyperextension involves moving the wrist joint backward, testing its ability to extend beyond its neutral position. Palmar flexion involves moving the wrist joint forward, testing its ability to flex toward the palm. These movements collectively assess the range of motion of the wrist joint in both directions, which is essential for identifying any limitations or pain associated with certain movements. Since the client presents with right wrist pain and ecchymosis, assessing both hyperextension and palmar flexion can help determine if there's any injury or impairment affecting the wrist's mobility.
Choice B Reason:
Plantar flexion is incorrect. Plantar flexion refers to a movement of the foot and ankle, not the wrist. Therefore, instructing the client to perform plantar flexion would not assess the wrist's mobility and is not relevant to the presented scenario of right wrist pain with ecchymosis.
Choice C Reason:
Forearm pronation is incorrect. Forearm pronation involves rotating the forearm so that the palm faces downward. This movement primarily assesses the pronation and supination of the forearm, not the wrist's mobility. Since the client's symptoms are specific to the wrist, assessing forearm pronation would not directly evaluate the wrist's range of motion.
Choice D Reason:
Forearm supination is incorrect. Forearm supination involves rotating the forearm so that the palm faces upward. Similar to forearm pronation, this movement primarily assesses the forearm's mobility, not the wrist's mobility. Therefore, instructing the client to perform forearm supination would not be an appropriate method for assessing the wrist's range of motion in the context of right wrist pain with ecchymosis.
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.
