A patient who received an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the right femur after experiencing a fall at home experiences a sudden onset of increasing confusion and agitation.
When reporting to the healthcare provider using SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication, what information should the nurse provide first?
Client’s healthcare power of attorney.
Currently prescribed medications.
Fall at home as reason for admission.
Increasing confusion of the patient.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While the client’s healthcare power of attorney is important information, it is not the most critical piece of information to report in this situation. The immediate concern is the client’s change in mental status and potential medical emergency.
Choice B rationale
The nurse should be aware of the client’s currently prescribed medications, but this information does not take precedence over the client’s sudden onset of confusion and agitation. Immediate action is needed to address the client’s altered mental status.
Choice C rationale
While the reason for the client’s admission is important background information, it is not the most urgent information to report in this situation. The priority is addressing the client’s acute change in mental status.
Choice D rationale
Increasing confusion and agitation in a client who recently underwent ORIF of the right femur is a significant change in condition and may indicate a medical emergency such as infection, delirium, or other complications. This information should be provided first to alert the healthcare provider to the client’s immediate needs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The patient vomiting at home for 3 days prior to surgery is crucial information that the PACU nurse should report. This could indicate a pre-existing condition or complication that needs to be addressed in the patient’s post-operative care plan.
Choice B rationale
While the patient refusing to take ice chips despite complaining of dry mouth is an important observation, it is not as critical as the patient’s pre-operative condition (vomiting for 3 days). The refusal of ice chips could be addressed through patient education and encouragement.
Choice C rationale
The presence of peripheral pulses and full range of motion in both legs is expected and normal in a post-operative patient, unless there were complications during surgery that could affect these observations. Therefore, this information, while important, is not as critical as the patient’s pre-operative condition.
Choice D rationale
The condition of the patient’s abdomen (soft, bowel sounds absent) and the absence of bleeding on the dressing are expected observations in a patient who has undergone an exploratory laparotomy. These observations, while important, do not provide additional critical information that the PACU nurse should report.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Taking prescribed cortisone accurately is crucial for managing multiple sclerosis symptoms. Cortisone is a type of steroid that can reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, helping to manage MS symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Using a walker when weakness occurs can be beneficial for patients with multiple sclerosis as it can help them maintain mobility and independence. However, it is not the most important instruction for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching plan.
Choice C rationale
Increasing daily intake of sodium in the diet is not recommended for patients with multiple sclerosis. High sodium intake can exacerbate symptoms of multiple sclerosis and may increase the risk of relapses.
Choice D rationale
Avoiding extreme environmental temperatures can be beneficial for patients with multiple sclerosis as heat can worsen symptoms. However, it is not the most important instruction for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching plan.
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