During transfer to the medical unit, a client who experienced an acute change in level of consciousness became increasingly confused and combative, justifying soft wrist restraints for the client's upper and lower extremities. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement on admission?
Assess peripheral oxygen saturation.
Determine baseline neurologic status.
Schedule a sitter around the clock.
Administer an IV anxiolytic medication.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Assess peripheral oxygen saturation: While evaluating oxygenation is important in altered mental status, it is not the priority after restraints have been applied. Oxygen saturation may contribute to confusion, but neurological assessment is more directly relevant.
B. Determine baseline neurologic status: Establishing a neurological baseline is crucial after a sudden change in consciousness and behavior. It helps monitor for further deterioration or improvement and guides decisions about restraint necessity and care interventions.
C. Schedule a sitter around the clock: A sitter may be needed, but this decision should be based on a full assessment of the client’s condition and risk factors. It is not the first priority immediately after application of restraints.
D. Administer an IV anxiolytic medication: Medication may be considered later if the behavior persists or worsens, but it must be based on assessment findings and provider orders. The initial focus should be on identifying the underlying cause of the behavioral change.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Determine pulse pressure: Pulse pressure may provide insight into cardiovascular status but does not directly address the immediate respiratory concern suggested by the use of accessory muscles.
B. Check for neck vein distention: Jugular vein distention could indicate cardiac dysfunction, but the priority should be to assess the client's oxygenation status when signs of respiratory effort are observed.
C. Auscultate heart sounds: While heart sounds may be part of a broader assessment, they do not provide immediate information about oxygenation or respiratory compromise.
D. Measure oxygen saturation: Accessory muscle use indicates increased work of breathing or possible respiratory distress. Measuring oxygen saturation is the most direct and immediate way to evaluate the client’s oxygenation status and guide urgent interventions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Instruct the UAP that a standard face mask is sufficient for the provision of care for the assigned client: Meningococcal pneumonia requires droplet precautions, not airborne precautions. A standard surgical mask is appropriate for preventing transmission via respiratory droplets during close contact.
B. Before changing assignments, determine which staff members have fitted particulate filter masks: Fit-tested N95 respirators are required for airborne pathogens (e.g., tuberculosis), not droplet-based infections. This action is unnecessary for meningococcal pneumonia.
C. Advise the UAP to wear a standard face mask to take vital signs, and then get fitted for a filter mask before providing personal care: A filter mask is not needed at all for droplet precautions. This step adds unnecessary complexity and misunderstanding of the required PPE.
D. Send the UAP to be fitted for a particulate filter mask immediately to be able to provide care to this client: A particulate respirator is not indicated for droplet precautions. This action would delay care unnecessarily and is not aligned with standard isolation protocols.
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