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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["D","E"]

Explanation

A. Perform pulmonary function test
This is important for assessing lung function, but it is not an immediate priority during an acute exacerbation when the patient's oxygen saturation is low and they are experiencing respiratory distress.
Pulmonary function testing can be done once the patient's acute symptoms are stabilized.
B. Measure vital signs
While vital signs are important for ongoing assessment, the patient's vital signs were already assessed at admission and are being monitored every 4 hours as per orders.
Administering oxygen and albuterol to stabilize the patient's condition takes precedence over routine vital sign checks immediately after the initial assessment.
C. Provide a regular diet tray
This is a routine aspect of care and does not address the acute respiratory distress or hypoxemia that require immediate attention.
It can be done once the patient's respiratory status has stabilized.
D. Give albuterol as ordered
The patient is experiencing an asthma exacerbation with wheezing and subcostal retractions. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow.
It was ordered for nebulization now and every 4 hours PRN (as needed) for wheezing.
Administering albuterol promptly is crucial to help alleviate respiratory distress and improve lung function.
E. Apply oxygen 1 L/minute
The patient's oxygen saturation is 91% on room air, which is below the target of greater than 94%. Oxygen therapy is indicated to correct hypoxemia and improve oxygen saturation.
The order specifies to titrate oxygen to keep saturation greater than 94%, starting at 1 L/minute via nasal cannula.

Correct Answer is ["21"]

Explanation

To calculate the flow rate in gtt/min, you can use the formula: (Volume in mL * Drop factor) / Time in
minutes.

For 1 L of lactated Ringer's IV, which is 1000 mL, to be infused over 12 hours, with an IV administration set that delivers 15 gtt/mL, the calculation would be: (1000 mL * 15 gtt/mL) / (12 hours * 60 minutes/hour).

This simplifies to (15000 gtt) / (720 minutes), which equals approximately 20.83 gtt/min.

Therefore, the nurse should regulate the infusion to 21 gtt/min, rounding to the nearest whole
number.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exhibits After the nurse assesses the client, the healthcare provider writes prescriptions. The nurse reviews the prescriptions. Which 2 prescriptions should the nurse complete first?

Correct Answer is ["D","E"]

Explanation

A client receives a prescription for 1 L of lactated Ringer's IV to be infused over 12 hours. The IV administration set delivers 15 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion? (Enter numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number.)

Correct Answer is ["21"]

Explanation

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The nurse is preparing a client for an outpatient thoracentesis. Which statement made by the client should the nurse recognize as needing additional education?