An older adult client is admitted with the medical diagnosis of possible cerebral vascular accident (CVA). The client has facial paralysis and cannot move the left side of the body. When entering the room, the nurse finds the client's spouse tearful and trying unsuccessfully to give the client a drink of water. Which action should the nurse take?
Obtain thickening powder before providing any more fluids.
Assist the spouse and carefully give the client small sips of water.
Ask the spouse to stop and assess the client's swallowing reflex.
Give the spouse a straw to help facilitate the client's drinking.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale
A. Thickening powder is used to modify the consistency of liquids to prevent aspiration in clients with swallowing difficulties. This option suggests ensuring safety by thickening fluids to reduce the risk of choking or aspiration. However, this does not address the underlying issue.
B. This option involves immediate action to provide hydration under close supervision. It implies that the nurse will closely monitor the client's ability to swallow and assess for signs of aspiration during the process. However, it does not address the underlying risk.
C. This option focuses on assessing the client's ability to swallow before providing more fluids. It acknowledges the potential danger of giving fluids without knowing the client's current swallowing ability, which could lead to aspiration.
D. Providing a straw might seem helpful but could potentially increase the risk of aspiration if the client has swallowing difficulties. It does not address the immediate need for assessing the client's ability to swallow safely.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale
A. Respiratory rate is important because opioid-induced respiratory depression is a significant concern with hydromorphone. Assessing the respiratory rate helps the nurse detect early signs of respiratory depression.
B. Pain scale is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the equianalgesic dose. The nurse should ensure that the pain is adequately controlled with the IV dose comparable to what was achieved with the PO dose.
C. Blood pressure is monitored to detect any potential hypotensive effects of hydromorphone, particularly with IV administration.
D. Level of consciousness is assessed to ensure that the client is not overly sedated or experiencing other neurological side effects of the medication.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale
A. This option may seem reasonable, as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are concerns in DKA. However, simply drinking electrolyte fluids without addressing the underlying cause of DKA (which is insulin deficiency) would not effectively manage the condition.
B. Physical activity may exacerbate DKA if insulin levels are inadequate. It is important to stabilize blood glucose levels and manage DKA before engaging in physical activity.
C. In DKA, there is an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin, leading to hyperglycemia and ketosis. Regular insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels and inhibit further breakdown of fats into ketones, thereby correcting the metabolic imbalance associated with DKA.
D. Monitoring urine output is important in assessing hydration status, but it does not address the immediate need to manage DKA. This action alone would not correct the underlying cause of increased thirst in DKA.
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