An 84-year-old patient has just returned from the post-anesthetic care unit after undergoing hip arthroplasty. The patient is only oriented to their name.
The patient’s family is distressed because the patient had no cognitive deficits before surgery.The patient is later diagnosed with postoperative delirium. What should the nurse communicate to the patient’s family?

This type of delirium is treatable and the patient’s cognition will return to its previous levels.

This issue can be resolved by administering antidotes to the anesthetic used in surgery.

Delirium involves a progressive decline in memory loss and overall cognitive function.

This problem is self-limiting and there is nothing to worry about.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Postoperative delirium is a common condition that can occur in older patients after surgery, especially major procedures like hip arthroplasty. It is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion and altered consciousness. This type of delirium is indeed treatable and most patients’ cognition will return to its previous levels. The treatment often involves addressing the underlying causes, such as pain, medication effects, or metabolic imbalances, and providing supportive care. It’s important for the family to understand that this is a temporary condition and does not indicate a permanent change in their loved one’s mental status.
Choice B rationale
While anesthetics can contribute to postoperative delirium, the condition is usually multifactorial and not solely due to the anesthetic used in surgery. Therefore, administering antidotes to the anesthetic is not typically how postoperative delirium is managed. Instead, the focus is on treating the underlying causes and providing supportive care.
Choice C rationale

Delirium does involve a disturbance in cognition, including memory impairment, but it does not involve a progressive decline in memory loss and overall cognitive function. That description is more characteristic of dementia, a different condition. Delirium is typically a temporary condition that improves once the underlying cause is addressed.
Choice D rationale
While postoperative delirium is often self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own over time, it is not accurate to say there is nothing to worry about. Postoperative delirium can be distressing for the patient and their family, and in some cases, it can be associated with longer hospital stays and increased morbidity. Therefore, it is a condition that should be taken seriously and managed appropriately.

Nursing Test Bank

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Introducing oneself after entering the patient’s room is a key aspect of effective communication with a blind patient. This helps the patient identify who is in the room with them.
Choice B rationale
Using a firm, loud voice when addressing the patient is not necessarily effective. While it’s important to speak clearly, raising one’s voice can come off as patronizing or disrespectful. It’s better to speak in a normal tone and adjust as needed based on the patient’s feedback.
Choice C rationale

Lightly touching the patient’s arm can be an effective way to gain their attention, especially if they may not have heard you enter the room. However, it’s important to ask for consent before touching the patient.
Choice D rationale
Providing instructions in clear, simple terms can be very helpful for a blind patient. This can help them understand what is happening and what they need to do.

A. Semi-solid food with thick liquids B. Minced foods and fluid restriction C. Provision of a low-residue diet D. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) .

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
For a client with Parkinson’s disease who has difficulty swallowing or chewing due to muscle rigidity, semi-solid food with thick liquids can be easier to swallow and reduce the risk of choking19.
Choice B rationale
Minced foods and fluid restriction may not provide the necessary nutrients and hydration for a client with Parkinson’s disease19.
Choice C rationale
A low-residue diet, which is low in fiber, may not be appropriate for a client with Parkinson’s disease, as constipation is a common symptom of the disease and fiber can help alleviate this19.
Choice D rationale
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. It is typically reserved for clients who cannot or should not get their nutrition through eating19.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse, during a shift report, learns that a patient under their care is blind. What actions by the nurse would demonstrate effective communication?

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

While assessing the breath sounds of a client with Parkinson’s disease, a nurse hears adventitious sounds. How should the client’s nutritional needs be met?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a patient’s visual acuity using a Snellen chart. The patient states he cannot see the top of the chart. What action should the nurse take?

A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about risk factors for developing a stroke. Which non-modifiable risk factors should the nurse include in the teaching?

The nurse is caring for a patient recovering from an ischemic stroke. What intervention best addresses a potential complication after an ischemic stroke?

A patient is being evaluated for hearing loss. The doctor is unable to examine the tympanic membrane due to a blockage caused by cerumen. What actions can the nurse take to allow for an examination?

A client has informed the Home Health Nurse that they recently noticed distortions when looking at the Amsler grid kept on their refrigerator. What is the appropriate action for the nurse to take?

The patient with glaucoma is usually started on the lowest dose of medication. Which of the following is the preferred initial ophthalmic medication?

The nurse is creating a plan of care for a client who has a recent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Which of the following should the nurse include in the client’s care plan?

A nurse is working with the family of a patient diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease to develop an appropriate plan of care. Which of the following would the nurse suggest to foster socialization?