A nurse is receiving report on a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

Choice A Reason:

Provide assistance with ambulation: Patients with cerebellar tumors often experience ataxia, which is a lack of muscle coordination affecting voluntary movements such as walking and balance. Assisting with ambulation is crucial to prevent falls and ensure the patient’s safety. The cerebellum plays a significant role in motor control, and damage to this area can severely impair a patient’s ability to move safely. Therefore, providing assistance with ambulation is a priority to prevent injury and promote mobility.

Choice B Reason:

Facilitate retention of facts by repeating instructions: While repeating instructions can be beneficial for patients with cognitive impairments, it is not the primary concern for a patient with a cerebellar tumor. The main issues with cerebellar tumors are related to motor control and balance. Although cognitive support is important, ensuring physical safety through assistance with ambulation takes precedence.

Choice C Reason:

Place the client in a darkened room: Placing a patient in a darkened room might help with symptoms like photophobia (sensitivity to light), but it does not address the primary concerns associated with cerebellar tumors, such as balance and coordination. This action does not directly contribute to the patient’s immediate safety and mobility needs.

Choice D Reason:

Speak slowly and clearly: Clear communication is always important in nursing care, especially for patients who may have difficulty understanding due to neurological issues. However, for a patient with a cerebellar tumor, the immediate priority is to address motor dysfunction and prevent falls. Speaking slowly and clearly is supportive but not the primary action needed to ensure the patient’s safety.

Choice A Reason

“Tube drainage should be rust-colored.” This statement is incorrect. Normal NG tube drainage is typically greenish-yellow due to bile or clear if it is from the stomach. Rust-colored drainage could indicate bleeding and should be reported immediately.

Choice B Reason

“Nutrition will be provided through the tube.” This statement is incorrect. While NG tubes can be used for feeding, in the context of a postoperative colectomy, the primary purpose of the NG tube is usually to decompress the stomach and prevent nausea and vomiting. Enteral feeding is typically done through a different type of tube, such as a nasojejunal tube.

Choice C Reason

“The tube decreases pressure within the stomach.” This is the correct statement. An NG tube is often used postoperatively to decompress the stomach, which helps to reduce pressure, prevent vomiting, and allow the gastrointestinal tract to heal.

Choice D Reason

“The tube should be irrigated with sterile water.” This statement is partially correct but needs context. NG tubes should be irrigated to maintain patency, but the type of solution (sterile water, saline) can vary based on hospital protocol. The primary focus here is on the purpose of the NG tube rather than the irrigation technique.