A male client with diabetes mellitus (DM) is transferred from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility following treatment for a stroke with resulting right hemiplegia. The client reports his feet feel uncomfortably cool at night, preventing him from falling asleep. Which action should the nurse implement?
Use a bed cradle to hold the covers off feet.
Provide a warming pad (Aqua-pad or K-pad) to feet.
Place warm blankets next to the client’s feet.
Medicate the client with a prescribed sedative.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Using a bed cradle to hold the covers off feet is not a good option for a client with DM and right hemiplegia, because it can increase the risk of injury and infection to the feet. The client may have reduced sensation and circulation in the feet due to diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease, which can make the feet more prone to ulcers, gangrene, and amputation. The client should keep the feet covered and protected from pressure and trauma.
Choice B reason: Providing a warming pad (Aqua-pad or K-pad) to feet is the best option for a client with DM and right hemiplegia, because it can help improve the blood flow and comfort to the feet. The warming pad is a device that circulates warm water or air through a pad that is placed on the skin. The nurse should monitor the temperature and duration of the warming pad, and check the skin for signs of burns or blisters.
Choice C reason: Placing warm blankets next to the client’s feet is not a reliable option for a client with DM and right hemiplegia, because it may not provide enough warmth and may slip off during the night. The client may not be able to adjust the blankets due to the hemiplegia, which can affect the movement and strength of the right side of the body. The client may also have difficulty feeling the blankets due to the neuropathy.
Choice D reason: Medicating the client with a prescribed sedative is not a suitable option for a client with DM and right hemiplegia, because it does not address the underlying cause of the cool feet, and may have adverse effects on the client’s condition. The sedative may interact with the client’s other medications, such as insulin or oral hypoglycemics, and cause hypoglycemia, which can worsen the stroke recovery. The sedative may also cause respiratory depression, which can affect the oxygen delivery to the brain and the feet.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reorienting to day and time frequently is a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, because it can help the client to reduce confusion, anxiety, and disorientation, which may contribute to the auditory hallucinations. The nurse should use simple and clear language, speak slowly and calmly, and provide cues and reminders, such as a clock, a calendar, or a picture, to help the client to orient to reality.
Choice B reason: Applying soft wrist restraints bilaterally is not a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, unless it is absolutely necessary and ordered by the doctor. Restraints can increase the client's agitation, anxiety, and fear, and they can also cause physical and psychological harm, such as skin breakdown, nerve damage, or loss of dignity. The nurse should use restraints only as a last resort, after trying other less restrictive alternatives, such as verbal de-escalation, distraction, or medication.
Choice C reason: Administering a PRN dose of lorazepam is a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, if it is prescribed by the doctor and indicated by the client's condition. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that can help the client to relax, reduce anxiety, and sedate the central nervous system, which may alleviate the auditory hallucinations. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, level of consciousness, and respiratory status, and report any adverse effects, such as hypotension, bradycardia, or respiratory depression.
Choice D reason: Turning the television on for distraction is not a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, because it can worsen the client's auditory hallucinations, confusion, and agitation. The television can provide too much stimulation, noise, and information, which can overload the client's sensory perception and interfere with their ability to distinguish reality from hallucination. The nurse should provide a quiet and calm environment, and limit the sources of auditory input.
Choice E reason: Presenting a calm, supportive demeanor is a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, because it can help the client to feel safe, comfortable, and respected, and to establish a trusting relationship with the nurse. The nurse should show empathy, compassion, and patience, and avoid arguing, criticizing, or dismissing the client's hallucinations. The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings, validate their distress, and reassure them that they are not alone.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Platelet count is not directly related to wound infection. Platelets are involved in blood clotting and hemostasis. A low platelet count can increase the risk of bleeding, while a high platelet count can indicate inflammation or malignancy.
Choice B reason: Serum albumin is a measure of protein status and nutritional status. A low serum albumin can indicate malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or fluid imbalance. A high serum albumin can indicate dehydration or chronic infection. Serum albumin is not a specific indicator of wound infection.
Choice C reason: Neutrophil count is a measure of the body's immune response to infection. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells and are the first line of defense against bacterial infections. A high neutrophil count can indicate an acute infection, while a low neutrophil count can indicate a weakened immune system or a chronic infection. Neutrophil count is the most relevant laboratory value to evaluate wound infection.
Choice D reason: Blood pH level is a measure of the body's acid-base balance. A normal blood pH level is between 7.35 and 7.45. A low blood pH level can indicate acidosis, while a high blood pH level can indicate alkalosis. Blood pH level can be affected by many factors, such as respiratory function, metabolic function, renal function, and medication use. Blood pH level is not a specific indicator of wound infection.
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