A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has gastroenteritis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Wash hands for 10 seconds after caring for the client.
Monitor the client for manifestations of dehydration.
Use toilet paper to remove stool from the client's skin.
Administer diphenoxylate/atropine to the client.
The Correct Answer is B
A) "Wash hands for 10 seconds after caring for the client.": Proper hand hygiene is critical in preventing the spread of infections, but the recommended duration for handwashing is at least 20 seconds. This option does not specify the necessary steps to ensure effective hand hygiene.
B) "Monitor the client for manifestations of dehydration.": Older adults are at a higher risk of dehydration due to gastroenteritis, which can cause significant fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea. Monitoring for signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, and reduced urine output, is a priority in managing their condition and preventing complications.
C) "Use toilet paper to remove stool from the client's skin.": While keeping the client clean is important, using toilet paper might not be sufficient or gentle enough to effectively clean and protect the skin. Using appropriate cleansing methods and skin care products is better for maintaining skin integrity.
D) "Administer diphenoxylate/atropine to the client.": While this medication can help reduce diarrhea, it may not be the first action to take. In some cases, stopping diarrhea too quickly can prevent the elimination of harmful pathogens. Monitoring and addressing hydration status is more critical initially in the management of gastroenteritis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Weight gain: Weight gain is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure due to fluid retention and peripheral edema. While left-sided heart failure can lead to overall heart failure, causing weight gain, it is not as specific as breathlessness for left-sided failure.
B) Warm extremities after walking: Warm extremities are generally a sign of good circulation. In clients with left-sided heart failure, reduced cardiac output often leads to poor peripheral circulation, which would more likely cause cool extremities.
C) Breathlessness when carrying an object: Left-sided heart failure leads to decreased cardiac output and pulmonary congestion. As a result, clients often experience breathlessness or dyspnea, especially during physical activities, because the heart cannot efficiently pump blood, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs.
D) Increased urinary output during the day: Left-sided heart failure usually causes decreased renal perfusion, leading to reduced urinary output during the day. Clients might experience nocturia (increased nighttime urination) due to fluid reabsorption when lying down, but increased daytime output is not typical.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Staying current on scheduled immunizations: Staying up-to-date with immunizations is important for overall child health but is not a direct risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Immunizations can help prevent infections that could contribute to SIDS but are not directly related to the syndrome itself.
B) Maternal smoking during pregnancy: Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a well-documented risk factor for SIDS. Exposure to nicotine and other harmful substances from smoking can affect the baby's respiratory system and increase the likelihood of SIDS.
C) Newborn who is large for gestational age: Being large for gestational age is not a recognized risk factor for SIDS. SIDS risk factors are more closely associated with prenatal and postnatal conditions, rather than birth weight alone.
D) Meconium staining of amniotic fluid: Meconium staining of amniotic fluid is a condition that can indicate fetal distress during labor but is not a direct risk factor for SIDS. It is more related to potential complications during delivery rather than SIDS risk.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.