An older adult client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for assessment of a recent onset of dementia. The practical nurse (PN) notes that in the evening this client often becomes restless, confused, and agitated. Which intervention is most important for the PN to implement?
Administer a prescribed PRN benzodiazepine at the onset of a confused state.
Ensure that the client is assigned to a room close to the nurses' station.
Postpone administration of nighttime medications until after 2300.
Ask family members to remain with the client in the evenings from 1700 to 2000.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Administering a PRN benzodiazepine is a reactive measure and might not be the best first line of intervention for managing the client's restlessness and confusion, as it does not address the underlying issue.
B. Assigning the client to a room close to the nurses' station can help manage restlessness, confusion, and agitation by ensuring the client is monitored more closely and can receive timely interventions.
C. Postponing nighttime medications might not address the immediate issues of restlessness and confusion, and could potentially disrupt the client's sleep-wake cycle.
D. Asking family members to stay with the client provides support but may not be a feasible or consistent solution for managing the client’s evening agitation and restlessness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Performing an arterial stick to obtain a PaO2 level is important for diagnostic purposes but does not address the immediate need to improve oxygenation.
B. Obtaining vital signs, including oxygen saturation, is important but should follow the initiation of oxygen therapy to address the immediate threat to the client’s respiratory status.
C. Starting oxygen at 2 liters nasal cannula is the highest priority intervention to immediately improve the client’s oxygenation status and address the acute symptoms of tachypnea and altered mental status.
D. Assessing pain level and last pain medication given is important but secondary to addressing the client's acute respiratory symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Body temperature is not directly relevant to the administration of zolpidem. Zolpidem is a sleep aid, so assessing body temperature is not necessary for this medication.
B. Bowel sounds are important for gastrointestinal assessments but are not related to the immediate considerations for zolpidem administration.
C. Assessing mental status is crucial before administering zolpidem because this medication can cause side effects like drowsiness, confusion, or impaired cognition. Ensuring the client’s mental status is appropriate helps prevent adverse effects.
D. Skin integrity is important for general health assessments but is not specifically relevant before administering a sleep aid like zolpidem.
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