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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: "I know that bathing helps prevent infectious diseases" is a factual statement but may not necessarily reflect progress in the client's overall functioning and engagement in self-care. It focuses on the practical aspect of bathing rather than the client's motivation and insight.
Choice B rationale: "Others say I am dirty and smell badly, so I will bathe" suggests an external motivation rather than intrinsic motivation. Progress is better indicated when the client expresses a personal desire to engage in self-care activities.
Choice C rationale: "I will take a bath today as requested" indicates compliance with external requests rather than an internal desire to care for oneself. It is essential to foster the client's intrinsic motivation for self-care.
Choice D rationale: "I feel good when I take care of myself" reflects an internal motivation and positive reinforcement associated with self-care. This statementsuggests progress in the client's willingness to engage in personal hygiene activities.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: A body mass index (BMI) of 21 is within the normal range and does not require immediate notification to the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale: A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg is within the normal range for an adolescent and does not require immediate notification.
Choice C rationale: A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/dL (2.9 mmol/L) is below the normal range (hypokalemia) and requires notification to the healthcare provider due to the potential for adverse effects on cardiac and neuromuscular function.
Choice D rationale: A WBC of 10,000/mm3 (10 x 109/L) falls within the normal range and does not require immediate notification.
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