A client is experiencing severe agitation and tremors due to withdrawal from the benzodiazepine alprazolam. What is the best initial nursing action?

Obtain a serum drug screen.

Administer naloxone per PRN protocol.

Initiate seizure precautions.

Instruct the family about withdrawal symptoms.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale
While obtaining a serum drug screen might be helpful in confirming the presence of benzodiazepines or other substances, it is not the most immediate concern in a client experiencing severe agitation and tremors due to withdrawal.
Choice B rationale
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and would not be effective in managing withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines.
Choice C rationale
Seizure precautions should be initiated as withdrawal from benzodiazepines can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Therefore, ensuring the safety of the client by initiating seizure precautions is the best initial nursing action.
Choice D rationale

While education is an important part of nursing care, in this situation, the client’s immediate physical needs take precedence.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While it’s important to know the patient’s current medications as they can influence the patient’s condition and treatment plan, this information is not the most critical to convey first in this situation.
Choice B rationale
The increasing confusion of the patient is a significant symptom, especially after a fall. It could indicate a possible head injury. However, the cause of the confusion (the fall) should be communicated first.
Choice C rationale
Knowing who holds the patient’s healthcare power of attorney is important, especially if the patient’s condition worsens and decisions need to be made on their behalf. However, this information is not the most critical to convey first.
Choice D rationale
The fall from a ladder as the reason for admission is the most important information to provide first. This gives the healthcare provider immediate context about the potential severity and type of injuries, guiding further assessment and treatment.

A. Reiterate the need for the UAP to wear a face mask while in close contact with the client. B. Reassign the UAP to provide care for another client and assume full care of the client. C. Direct the UAP to alert the nurse of any changes in the client’s respiratory status. D. Remind the UAP to wear a fitted respirator mask before entering the client’s room.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is providing care to a client with influenza, a respiratory illness that can be transmitted through droplets when the client coughs or sneezes. Therefore, it is crucial for the UAP to wear a face mask while in close contact with the client to prevent the transmission of the virus. This is in line with the standard precautions for infection control, which recommend the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, and masks when providing care to clients with infectious diseases.
Choice B rationale
Reassigning the UAP to another client and assuming full care of the client is not the most appropriate action in this situation. While it is the nurse’s responsibility to ensure that the UAP is competent and understands the care needs of the client, it is not necessary to reassign the UAP unless there are specific concerns about their ability to provide safe and effective care.
Choice C rationale
While it is important for the UAP to alert the nurse of any changes in the client’s respiratory status, this is not the most immediate action that the nurse should take in this situation. The priority is to ensure that the UAP is wearing appropriate PPE to prevent the transmission of influenza.
Choice D rationale
A fitted respirator mask is typically used when caring for clients with airborne diseases, such as tuberculosis. Influenza is primarily spread through droplets, so a regular face mask is usually sufficient for protection.

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A client is experiencing severe agitation and tremors due to withdrawal from the benzodiazepine alprazolam. What is the best initial nursing action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with influenza requires assistance in transferring to the bedside commode. The nurse observes the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) donning gloves and a gown to assist the client. What action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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