An older adult client who has been talking to the client's deceased mother is referred to the psychiatric clinic for an evaluation. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?

Assess daily alcohol intake.

Identify signs of depression.

Determine cognitive status.

Review risk factors for abuse.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Assess daily alcohol intake: Alcohol misuse can contribute to a variety of psychiatric symptoms, including hallucinations or delusions. Older adults may metabolize alcohol differently, leading to higher susceptibility to its effects. While this is important, it may not be the first priority unless there are clear signs of alcohol misuse (e.g., smell of alcohol, history provided by the client or family).

B. Identify signs of depression: Depression in older adults can sometimes present with psychotic features, including hallucinations or delusions. Understanding the client's emotional state and identifying symptoms of depression can provide insight into the cause of their behaviour. Depression is common in older adults and can be a precursor or a component of other psychiatric conditions.

C. Determine cognitive status: Cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia) can often present with hallucinations or delusions, and evaluating cognitive status can help differentiate between different types of disorders (e.g., dementia vs. primary psychotic disorders). Assessing cognitive function helps in identifying conditions like Alzheimer's disease or other dementias where hallucinations can be a symptom. This assessment can guide the further direction of evaluation and treatment, making it a critical first step.

D. Review risk factors for abuse: Older adults are at risk of abuse, which can include physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Identifying these risk factors is crucial for their safety and well-being. While this is a significant concern, unless there are immediate signs or disclosures of abuse, it may not be the most urgent assessment in the context of hallucinations.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A: Apply a pulse oximeter to the foot. Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation can help detect hypoxemia early, which can be a concern in post-term infants due to potential respiratory distress or meconium aspiration. However, while important, this is a monitoring measure and not an immediate corrective action for potential metabolic or respiratory issues directly associated with post-term birth.

B: Draw arterial blood gases. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) provide critical information about the newborn's acid-base balance, oxygenation, and ventilation status. Post-term infants are at risk for hypoxia and acidosis, often due to placental insufficiency or meconium aspiration. However, obtaining ABGs can be invasive and might not be the first-line immediate action unless there are signs of severe distress.

C: Obtain a capillary blood glucose. Post-term infants are at increased risk for hypoglycaemia due to increased glucose utilization and possible depletion of glycogen stores. Hypoglycaemia can lead to serious complications if not promptly identified and managed. Therefore, checking blood glucose levels is a critical, non-invasive, and immediate step to ensure metabolic stability and prevent complications such as seizures and brain injury.

D: Provide blow-by oxygen. Blow-by oxygen is used to provide supplemental oxygen in a non-invasive manner and can help in cases of mild respiratory distress. Post-term infants can be at risk for respiratory issues, including meconium aspiration syndrome. However, this is usually applied when there is evidence of respiratory distress and not as a routine measure without specific indications.

A. "What were you doing when you first noticed the problem?" B. "Have you taken any medications to relieve the pain?" C. "Do you remember ever having this type of pain in the past?" D. "Does changing your position make the pain worse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. "What were you doing when you first noticed the problem?"

This question helps to identify any specific activities or events that may have triggered the onset of back pain. Understanding the circumstances surrounding the pain can provide valuable information about its potential cause.

B. "Have you taken any medications to relieve the pain?"

While it's important to assess if the adolescent has taken any medications, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, to manage the pain, this question may not be the most immediate priority. It's essential to first gather information about the nature and onset of the pain to guide further assessment and management.

C. "Do you remember ever having this type of pain in the past?"

This question helps to determine if the adolescent has a history of similar back pain episodes. Past episodes of back pain can provide insight into potential underlying conditions or recurrent issues that may be contributing to the current complaint.

D. "Does changing your position make the pain worse?"

This question is crucial in assessing the characteristics of the pain and its response to movement or positional changes. It can help differentiate between musculoskeletal causes of back pain, which may worsen with movement, and other potential causes.

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An older adult client who has been talking to the client's deceased mother is referred to the psychiatric clinic for an evaluation. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?

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