On the first postoperative day, the nurse finds an older adult client disoriented and trying to climb over the bed railing. The client was oriented to person, place, and time on admission. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Assess the client for pain.
Apply wrist restraints.
Determine the client's blood pressure.
Administer a mild sedative.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Assessing the client for pain is a crucial step because pain can cause disorientation and agitation, especially after surgery. Pain might be a reason for the client's behavior. Addressing pain effectively can help improve the client’s comfort and potentially reduce disorientation and risky behavior.
B. Applying wrist restraints should be considered a last resort and only when other interventions are not effective or if there is an immediate danger to the client. Restraints can increase agitation and potentially lead to other complications.
C. Determining the client's blood pressure can be important, especially if there are concerns about hypotension or other cardiovascular issues that might contribute to disorientation. However, it is usually more effective to first address potential pain or discomfort.
D. Administering a sedative may be appropriate in cases of severe agitation or disorientation, but it should not be the first action. It is essential to first identify and address any underlying causes of the client’s behavior, such as pain, before resorting to pharmacological interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Applying cornstarch or other powders to moist skin can exacerbate dryness and irritation, as powders can absorb moisture but also contribute to a dry skin environment. In general, powders are not recommended for use on already dry or irritated skin, especially for older adults, as they can lead to further skin issues or contribute to fungal infections.
B. Gently applying lotion or moisturizer to the skin after bathing is the most appropriate action. Moisturizers help to rehydrate and lock in moisture, reducing the risk of dry, itchy skin. Applying lotion to damp skin (immediately after bathing) is particularly effective as it helps to seal in the moisture.
C. Adding bath oil to the bath water can be beneficial for moisturizing the skin, as it helps to create a barrier that prevents moisture loss. However, for the client’s specific request about post-bath relief, adding oil to the bath water does not address the immediate need for skin care after bathing.
D. Liquid soap can be gentler on the skin compared to bar soap, which can be drying, especially if it contains harsh ingredients. However, switching from bar soap to liquid soap is a preventive measure and does not provide immediate relief for already dry and itchy skin.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Debriding agents are used to remove necrotic or non-viable tissue from a wound. While debridement can be necessary if there is evidence of necrotic tissue or eschar, the presence of thick tan exudate alone does not necessarily indicate that debridement is needed.
B. Steri-strips are used to support wound closure and can be applied to wounds with approximated edges. However, in the case of a wound healing by secondary intention (where the edges are not brought together but heal from the inside out), steri-strips are not typically used. This action is not relevant if the wound is healing by secondary intention and if there is a thick exudate present.
C. Obtaining a wound culture is important if there is a suspicion of infection, especially if there is a change in the character of the exudate, increased redness, swelling, or other signs of infection. A thick tan exudate might be indicative of an infection or could be a normal part of the healing process
D. Removing sutures in a wound that is healing by secondary intention is not appropriate as it could disrupt the healing process and potentially lead to complications. Sutures are typically removed when the wound is healing by primary intention and the edges are approximated.
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