A nurse is preparing to assess an older client who is new to a medical-surgical unit. Upon entry to the client’s room, the nurse observes that the client answers questions appropriately but falls back to sleep immediately after their responses. Which of the following best describes the client’s level of consciousness?

Obtunded

Stuporous

Lethargic

Alert

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason:

Obtunded describes a state where the patient has a decreased level of consciousness and is difficult to arouse. They may respond slowly and be somewhat confused. This level of consciousness is more severe than lethargy and typically requires more vigorous stimulation to elicit a response. The client’s ability to answer questions appropriately before falling back to sleep suggests a less severe impairment than obtundation.

Choice B Reason:

Stuporous refers to a condition where the patient is almost entirely unresponsive and can only be aroused by vigorous and repeated stimuli. This state is more severe than lethargy and obtundation. The client’s ability to respond appropriately to questions indicates a higher level of consciousness than stupor. Therefore, stuporous is not the correct description of the client’s condition.

Choice C Reason:

Lethargic describes a state where the patient is very drowsy but can be aroused to respond to questions and then falls back to sleep. This matches the client’s presentation as they are able to answer questions appropriately but fall asleep immediately afterward. Lethargy is a common level of altered consciousness in various medical conditions and is less severe than obtundation or stupor.

Choice D Reason:

Alert describes a state where the patient is fully awake, aware, and responsive to stimuli. The client’s tendency to fall back to sleep immediately after responding to questions indicates that they are not fully alert. Therefore, this term does not accurately describe the client’s level of consciousness.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Ask open-ended questions.

While asking open-ended questions can be useful in many therapeutic settings, it may not be the best approach when dealing with delusional clients. Open-ended questions can sometimes lead to more elaborate delusional thinking and may not help in grounding the client in reality. Instead, focusing on the present moment and concrete reality can be more effective in managing delusions.

Choice B Reason:

Focus on what is happening in the here and now.

This is the correct response. Focusing on the present moment helps to ground the client in reality and can reduce the intensity of delusional thoughts. By directing the client’s attention to their immediate environment and current activities, the nurse can help the client stay connected to reality and reduce the impact of their delusions.

Choice C Reason:

Assume knowledge of what is meant when the client talks about “they.”

Assuming knowledge of what the client means when they refer to “they” can reinforce delusional thinking. It is important for the nurse to clarify and understand the client’s perspective without validating the delusion. This approach helps maintain a therapeutic relationship while not reinforcing false beliefs.

Choice D Reason:

Limit contact to one or two short interactions daily.

Limiting contact to one or two short interactions daily is not an effective strategy for managing delusions. Clients with delusions often need consistent and supportive interactions to help them stay grounded in reality. Frequent, brief interactions can provide the necessary support and reassurance without overwhelming the client.

Correct Answer is ["0.63"]

Explanation

To calculate the correct dose:

Identify the prescribed dose: 5 mg
Identify the concentration of the available morphine: 8 mg/mL
Calculate the volume to be administered:
- Volume (mL) = Prescribed dose (mg) ÷ Concentration (mg/mL)
- Volume (mL) = 5 mg ÷ 8 mg/mL
- Volume (mL) = 0.625 mL

The nurse will give 0.63 mL (rounded to the nearest hundredth) for the correct dose.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following nursing strategies would be most appropriate when caring for an individual who is delusional?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is ["0.63"]

Explanation

A client asks the nurse to promise to keep confidential a plan they have to kill their father. Which of the following statements would be the best response for the nurse to make?

The nurse calculates that a patient must receive 1.3 mL of an anti-infective agent. The dose is ordered IM. Which of the following choices demonstrates safe, evidence-based practice?

A nurse is reviewing assessment data collected from a post-operative patient. What assessment findings would serve as cues that the client may be experiencing hypoactive delirium? Select all that apply.

A patient with fluid volume deficit must receive a 250 mL IV bolus of NS over 25 minutes via a peripherally inserted central line (PICC) on an IV pump. At what rate will the nurse program the pump? Round to the nearest whole number. Do not use trailing zeros.

The nurse is completing an admission assessment of a client who is admitted to milieu. Which piece of information obtained from the client during the assessment would require immediate investigation from the nurse regarding the client’s use of complementary and alternative therapies?

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A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is experiencing command auditory hallucinations. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A client was recently diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s disease. Which of the statements shared by the client’s child about their risk for Alzheimer’s disease indicates the need for re-teaching? (Select all that apply.)