A homeless male who was found sitting in the middle of a busy street is brought to the emergency department (ED). On admission, the client is confused and has difficulty answering questions. After ruling out a physiological etiology for the client's behavior, he is transferred to the mental health unit. When admitting the client to the unit, which action is most important for the nurse to take?
Ask the client about his recent substance use.
Perform a mental status exam.
Assess the client from head-to-toe.
Determine the number of previous hospitalizations.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale: Asking the client about recent substance use is essential in assessing potential intoxication or withdrawal, which could contribute to the client's confused state. However, performing a mental status exam is the most important action to take.
Choice B rationale: The most important action for the nurse to take is to perform a mental status exam. This will help the nurse to assess the client's level of consciousness, orientation, memory, attention, mood, affect, thought process, and judgment. The mental status exam will also help the nurse to identify any signs of psychosis, delirium, dementia, or other mental disorders that may explain the client's behavior. Choice C rationale: Assessing the client from head-to-toe is a general nursing action but does not address the immediate need related to potential substance use. Choice D rationale: Determining the number of previous hospitalizations is relevant but does not address the current concern of substance use contributing to confusion.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Ignoring comments about the sister's lack of medical education may not address the client's feelings and concerns. It is essential to explore the client's emotions.
Choice B rationale: Acknowledging that the sister's comments are overwhelming is supportive but may not actively address the client's self-perception.
Choice C rationale: Asking if the client thinks she might be a hypochondriac could be interpreted as judgmental and may not promote an open discussion about the client's concerns.
Choice D rationale: Asking about what is troubling the client, besides her sister's comments, encourages the client to express her feelings and provides an opportunity for the nurse to understand the client's perspective and concerns.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Individual addiction counseling may be beneficial for the client but does not address the immediate physiological issue of Wernicke encephalopathy. Thiamine replacement is the priority.
Choice B rationale: Initiating disulfiram teaching is not relevant to the management of Wernicke encephalopathy. Disulfiram is used for alcohol aversion therapy, not thiamine deficiency.
Choice C rationale: Thiamine administration is the most critical intervention for Wernicke encephalopathy caused by alcohol addiction. Thiamine deficiency is a key factor in the development of this condition.
Choice D rationale: Nutrition referral may be important for the client's overall well being, but it is not the priority when the client is experiencing Wernicke encephalopathy. Immediate thiamine replacement is essential.
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