A nurse is providing care for a client who has delirium in the intensive care unit. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first to prevent client injury?
Apply soft restraints to wrists and chest.
Administer antipsychotic medications as prescribed.
Administer sedative medications as prescribed.
Arrange for one-on-one observation for the client.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Apply soft restraints to wrists and chest: Using restraints should only be considered as a last resort and should not be the first intervention for managing delirium. Restraints can exacerbate agitation and increase the risk of complications such as skin breakdown, musculoskeletal injury, and psychological distress. Therefore, applying restraints should not be the first action taken by the nurse.
B. Administer antipsychotic medications as prescribed: While antipsychotic medications may be used to manage symptoms of delirium in some cases, they should not be the first intervention for preventing client injury. Additionally, the use of antipsychotics in the ICU requires careful consideration due to potential adverse effects, such as sedation, hypotension, and prolongation of the QT interval. The decision to administer antipsychotic medications should be based on a comprehensive assessment and in consultation with the healthcare team.
C. Administer sedative medications as prescribed: Administering sedative medications may help calm an agitated client with delirium, but it should not be the first intervention for preventing client injury. Sedatives can further impair cognition and increase the risk of falls or other complications. Like antipsychotic medications, the use of sedatives should be based on a thorough assessment and in collaboration with the healthcare team, rather than being the initial action taken by the nurse.
D. Arrange for one-on-one observation for the client: Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a serious condition that can lead to confusion, disorientation, and an increased risk of injury to the client. The priority intervention for preventing client injury in this situation is to ensure constant monitoring and supervision. By arranging for one-on-one observation, the nurse can provide continuous monitoring of the client's behavior, assess for changes or signs of agitation, and intervene promptly to prevent falls or other injuries.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Synchronized electrical cardioversion: Synchronized electrical cardioversion is a procedure used to restore normal sinus rhythm in patients with certain types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. However, it is not typically indicated for all patients with worsening heart failure and arrhythmias.
B. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT): CRT, also known as biventricular pacing, involves the placement of a specialized pacemaker device to improve the coordination of contractions between the heart's chambers. It is often used in patients with heart failure and arrhythmias to help regulate the rhythm and improve cardiac function.
C. Heart catheterization with percutaneous intervention: Heart catheterization with percutaneous intervention, such as angioplasty or stent placement, is used to treat coronary artery disease by opening narrowed or blocked blood vessels. While coronary artery disease may contribute to heart failure, this procedure specifically targets the coronary arteries rather than arrhythmias.
D. Echocardiogram : An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function. While an echocardiogram may provide valuable information about the heart's condition in a patient with heart failure and arrhythmias, it is not a procedure used to regulate the rhythm directly.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Pantoprazole: Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor commonly used to reduce stomach acid production. It is primarily indicated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and other conditions related to excessive stomach acid production. It does not play a role in managing Meniere's disease, which is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
B) Warfarin: Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clot formation. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Meniere's disease does not typically require anticoagulant therapy, so warfarin would not be indicated for its treatment.
C) Furosemide: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that helps reduce fluid retention by increasing urine output. In some cases of Meniere's disease, especially those associated with excessive endolymphatic fluid buildup in the inner ear, furosemide may be prescribed to help reduce fluid volume and alleviate symptoms such as vertigo and pressure sensation in the ear.
D) Oxybutynin: Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medication primarily used to treat overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. It works by relaxing smooth muscle in the bladder, reducing bladder spasms and urinary urgency. While some individuals with Meniere's disease may experience associated symptoms such as frequent urination or urinary urgency, oxybutynin is not a standard treatment for Meniere's disease itself.
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