A client who is admitted with a closed head injury after a fall has a blood alcohol level (BAL) of 0.28 (28%) and is difficult to arouse. Which intervention during the first 6 hours following admission should the nurse identify as the priority?
Administer disulfiram immediately.
Place in a side-lying position with the head of the bed elevated.
Give lorazepam PRN for signs of withdrawal.
Provide thiamine and folate supplements as prescribed.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Administering disulfiram is not the priority in the immediate care of a client with a closed head injury and elevated blood alcohol level. The focus should be on ensuring the client's safety and preventing complications related to the head injury.
B. Placing the client in a side-lying position with the head of the bed elevated is crucial to prevent aspiration and maintain airway patency in a client who is difficult to arouse due to alcohol intoxication.
C. Giving lorazepam for signs of withdrawal may be necessary but does not address the immediate risk of aspiration in a client with altered consciousness.
D. Providing thiamine and folate supplements is important for clients with alcohol use disorders, but the priority in this scenario is airway protection and preventing complications related to the head injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Providing the client with written information about privacy laws is a good practice, but a verbal explanation is also necessary to address the immediate concern.
B. This response provides accurate information about confidentiality while acknowledging exceptions when safety is at risk.
C. Non-verbal gestures may be ambiguous and could lead to misunderstandings. It's important to communicate clearly with the client.
D. Assuring the client that information will be shared only with the staff may not be entirely accurate, as there are situations where confidentiality must be breached, such as when safety is a concern.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Encouraging daily weigh-ins may exacerbate anxiety and fixation on weight, which is not therapeutic.
B. Exercise and recreation recommendations should align with the treatment plan and be individualized; morning activities are not universally indicated.
C. Allowing the client to select an arts and crafts activity provides a positive outlet for expression and engagement in non-food-related activities.
D. Putting the client in charge of choosing snacks for the unit may not be appropriate, as it could contribute to unhealthy food-related behaviors.
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