A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
A client who has dehydration with a urine output of 40 mL/hr.
A client who has cancer and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10.
A client who has asthma and a respiratory rate of 40/min.
A client who has diabetes mellitus and a fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Dehydration is a serious condition, and a urine output of 40 mL/hr is indicative of decreased renal perfusion and potential renal failure. However, this situation does not require immediate intervention compared to other choices.
Choice B rationale:
Pain management is important, and a pain score of 4 out of 10 indicates mild to moderate pain. While addressing pain is essential for the client's comfort, it is not an immediate priority compared to the situation presented in another choice.
Choice C rationale:
(Correct Choice) A respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute in a client with asthma indicates severe respiratory distress. This client is at risk of respiratory failure and requires immediate assessment and intervention.
Choice D rationale:
A fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL in a client with diabetes mellitus is within a normal range and does not require immediate attention when compared to the urgent situation in another choice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The walking gait test is used to assess a client's walking pattern and balance, particularly for identifying abnormalities in gait. However, it doesn't specifically evaluate sensory functions, making it an inappropriate choice for this scenario.
Choice B rationale:
The plantar reflex test, also known as the Babinski reflex test, assesses the neurological integrity of the corticospinal tract. It involves stimulating the sole of the foot to elicit specific reflex movements. While this test is important in assessing neurological function, it doesn't directly evaluate sensory functions as requested in the question.
Choice C rationale:
The finger-to-nose test is a part of the neurological examination used to assess a client's coordination and proprioception. In this test, the client is asked to touch their nose with their index finger while alternating between eyes closed and eyes open. This evaluates their ability to sense the position of their limbs in space (proprioception) and their coordination. It directly addresses the focus of the question, making it the correct choice.
Choice D rationale:
The Romberg test evaluates a client's balance and proprioception. It involves having the client stand with their feet together and their eyes closed to assess their ability to maintain balance without visual input. While this test is relevant to sensory functions, it primarily assesses proprioception and balance rather than coordination, which the question is specifically targeting.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Determining what the client knows about coronary artery disease is an important step in assessing the client's baseline knowledge. However, it's not the first step in developing teaching strategies. First, the nurse should establish a collaborative relationship with the client to set mutual learning goals.
Choice B rationale:
Identifying resources that will help support the client's lifestyle changes is an essential aspect of the teaching process, but it's not the initial step. The nurse needs to work with the client to set goals and develop a plan before seeking external resources.
Choice C rationale:
Establishing mutual learning goals with the client is the most crucial first step. This approach ensures that the teaching plan aligns with the client's needs and preferences, fostering a sense of partnership and increasing the likelihood of successful lifestyle changes.
Choice D rationale:
Scheduling a teaching session about coronary artery disease in a quiet setting is an important consideration for effective teaching, but it comes after the nurse and the client have identified mutual learning goals. The nurse should engage the client in goal-setting before planning specific teaching sessions.
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