A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is assessing a client who has had a stroke. For which of the following findings should the nurse initiate a referral for occupational therapy?
Difficulty performing ADLs
Inability to swallow clear liquids
Elevated blood glucose levels
Unsteady gait when ambulating
The Correct Answer is A
- A. Correct. Difficulty performing ADLs such as dressing, grooming, bathing, or feeding may indicate that the client has impaired motor function, sensory perception, or cognitive ability due to the stroke, which can affect their independence and quality of life. Occupational therapy can help the client regain or adapt their skills and abilities for daily living.
- B. Incorrect. Inability to swallow clear liquids may indicate that the client has dysphagia or impaired swallowing function due to the stroke, which can increase their risk of aspiration and malnutrition. Speech therapy can help the client improve their swallowing function and provide recommendations for safe oral intake.
- C. Incorrect. Elevated blood glucose levels may indicate that the client has diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose metabolism due to the stroke, which can affect their healing and recovery process and increase their risk of complications such as infection or hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia episodes. Diabetes education and management can help the client control their blood glucose levels and prevent adverse outcomes.
- D. Incorrect. Unsteady gait when ambulating may indicate that the client has impaired balance, coordination, or muscle strength due to the stroke, which can affect their mobility and safety and increase their risk of falls or injuries. Physical therapy can help the client improve their gait and mobility and provide assistive devices if needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- A. Contacting the facility chaplain to visit with the client may be helpful for some clients who have spiritual needs or concerns, but it does not address the client's expressed desire to go home. The nurse should respect the client's wishes and preferences and not impose their own beliefs or values on them.
- B. Explaining the process of leaving the facility against medical advice may discourage the client from pursuing their goal of going home and imply that they are making a wrong decision. The nurse should not judge or coerce the client, but rather provide them with information and support to make an informed choice.
- C. Making a referral for social services is the best action for the nurse to take, as it will help the client access resources and services that can facilitate their discharge planning and home care arrangements. The social worker can also assist with financial, legal, or emotional issues that may arise from the terminal diagnosis.
- D. Encouraging the client to continue with inpatient care may go against the client's wishes and values, and may cause them more distress and suffering. The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and dignity and support their quality of life goals.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Providing postmortem care for a client who has recently died does not require immediate intervention by the charge nurse, as it is a standard nursing responsibility to provide postmortem care with dignity and respect to the deceased client. The AP can proceed with this task independently.
Choice B rationale:
Performing a simple dressing change on a client's foot is within the scope of practice for an assistive personnel (AP) and does not require immediate intervention by the charge nurse, assuming the AP is competent and trained to perform this task.
Choice C rationale:
Washing hands with alcohol-based hand rub after bathing a client who has Clostridium difficile is not sufficient. Alcohol is not effective against C. Difficile spores.
Choice D rationale:
Clean gloves are sufficient for this task, as they do provide adequate protection against the transmission of infections.
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