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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. While it is generally good practice to measure blood pressure in both arms for a comprehensive assessment, this is not the primary concern with hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia primarily affects neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems, so while blood pressure monitoring is important, it does not directly address the critical symptoms associated with low calcium levels.
B. Assessing skin turgor is a useful practice for evaluating hydration status and skin elasticity but is not specifically related to the management or symptoms of hypocalcemia. In hypocalcemia, skin changes are not the most relevant concern compared to neuromuscular symptoms.
C. Hypocalcemia can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising due to impaired blood clotting mechanisms. Monitoring for bruising can be an important aspect of assessing the effects of low calcium levels on the client’s hemostatic function. Bruising can be a direct indicator of the impact of hypocalcemia on blood coagulation and is relevant to the clinical management of the condition.
D. Hypocalcemia can affect cardiac function, potentially leading to changes in heart rhythm and rate. Monitoring the rhythm of the pulse is crucial, as it can help identify arrhythmias or other cardiac disturbances associated with low calcium levels.

A. Explain the respiratory problems that can occur with morphine use. B. Recommend asking the healthcare professional for a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. C. Provide client with a schedule of around-the-clock prescribed analgesic use. D. Teach family how to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesics.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Morphine is a potent opioid used for pain relief, but it can have side effects, including respiratory depression. While it is important to be aware of and discuss potential side effects, focusing on
respiratory problems might increase the client’s anxiety about using the medication.
B. A PCA pump allows patients to self-administer pain medication within prescribed limits, providing more control over pain management. However, PCA pumps are typically used in hospital settings and may not be practical or appropriate for home hospice care.
C. Providing a schedule for around-the-clock analgesic use is a practical and effective approach to pain management. It ensures that the client receives consistent pain relief and helps prevent the pain from becoming unmanageable.
D. Teaching the family to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesics is important for ongoing pain management. This includes recognizing signs of pain relief and potential side effects. However, this action might be more relevant once pain management is underway and requires follow-up, rather than addressing the immediate concern of managing pain effectively from the start.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client has a total serum calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L). Based on this information, which action is most important for the nurse to include while measuring the client's vital signs? Reference Range: Total Calcium (9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L)]

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

In-home hospice care is arranged for a client with stage 4 lung cancer. While the palliative care nurse is arranging for discharge, the client verbalizes concerns about pain. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

An older female client residing at a long-term care facility receives an enteral tube feeding bolus via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube 6 times daily. Which interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.

An older adult client grimaces and demonstrates guarding behavior, but denies experiencing pain when asked by the nurse to rate the pain on a numeric scale. Which action should the nurse take next?

The nurse is preparing to feed a newly admitted older adult client who is debilitated, but is able to respond to most commands. Before starting to feed the client, which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?

At 2000, the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports several client problems to the nurse who is working on a medical unit. Which client needs the most immediate follow-up by the nurse?

The nurse assesses a client who has a nasal cannula delivering oxygen at 2 liters/minute. To assess for skin damage related to the cannula, what areas should the nurse observe? Select all that apply.

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