Six weeks after the birth of a child with Trisomy 21, the parents return to the prenatal clinic for a follow-up visit. They have spoken with a genetic counselor, but are still unsure about the risk of having another child with Trisomy 21. The couple brings literature from the counselor with them, and asks the nurse to explain it. Which action should the nurse take?

Review the literature and answer any questions the nurse is able to answer.

Determine their reasoning for seeking genetic counseling at this time.

Tell the couple that it is best to call the counselor with their questions.

Recommend a community support group for parents of children with Trisomy 21.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A)   Correct- As a nurse, it's important to provide accurate and helpful information to patients and families. In this situation, the parents have brought literature from a genetic counselor and are seeking clarification. The nurse should review the literature to the best of their ability and answer any questions they can. This approach demonstrates support, a willingness to help, and a commitment to providing accurate information.
B)   Incorrect- While understanding the parents' reasons for seeking genetic counseling is important, it shouldn't be the first response when they have already brought literature and are seeking clarification. Addressing their questions and concerns is the immediate priority.
C)   Incorrect- While it's true that the couple could contact the genetic counselor for further information, as a healthcare professional, the nurse should still offer assistance by reviewing the literature and answering questions to the best of their ability.
D)   Incorrect- While support groups can be beneficial for parents of children with Trisomy 21, the immediate concern is addressing the parents' questions about the literature they've brought. Providing accurate information should be the primary focus at this time.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

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

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Misplacing car keys occasionally is a common occurrence and may not necessarily indicate Alzheimer's disease. It can happen to anyone, especially when distracted or in a hurry.

Choice B rationale: Difficulty performing familiar tasks, such as cooking a meal or driving to a familiar location, is an early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. It indicates changes in cognitive function.

Choice C rationale: Losing sense of time, such as not knowing the date, day of the week, or season, can be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease. It reflects impairments in temporal orientation.

Choice D rationale: Problems with performing basic calculations, such as managing finances or following a recipe, are early signs of Alzheimer's disease. It shows a decline in cognitive abilities related to numbers and problem-solving.

Choice E rationale: Becoming lost in a usually familiar environment, such as getting disoriented in one's own neighborhood, is a significant early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. It suggests spatial and memory impairments.

A. Screen for orthostatic hypotension B. Provide oral care at least twice a day C. Monitor calcium levels D. Assess mental status regularly E. Assist the client to the bathroom F. Have an opioid agonist at the bedside

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

Explanation

Nursing Interventions for Client Starting Clonazepam:

The following nursing interventions are appropriate for the client starting clonazepam 0.25 mg PO every 12 hours:

a. Screen for orthostatic hypotension:

Rationale:

Clonazepam,like other benzodiazepines,can cause central nervous system (CNS) depression,which can lead to hypotension,particularly orthostatic hypotension.This occurs when blood pressure drops suddenly upon standing due to impaired autonomic nervous system regulation.
Screening for orthostatic hypotension involves measuring the client's blood pressure and heart rate while lying down and then again after standing for 3 minutes.A significant drop in blood pressure (systolic decrease of 20 mmHg or diastolic decrease of 10 mmHg) or increase in heart rate (over 20 beats per minute) indicates orthostatic hypotension.
Monitoring for orthostatic hypotension is crucial to prevent falls and other complications,especially in older adults or those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

b. Provide oral care at least twice a day:

Rationale:

Clonazepam can cause dry mouth as a side effect,which can increase the risk of cavities,gum disease,and oral infections.
Regular oral care helps to remove plaque and bacteria,promoting oral hygiene and preventing complications.Providing oral care at least twice a day,especially before bedtime and upon waking,is essential.

d. Assess mental status regularly:

Rationale:

Clonazepam,while indicated for anxiety and insomnia,can paradoxically cause agitation,confusion,and even hallucinations in some individuals,particularly older adults or those with pre-existing psychiatric conditions.
Regular assessment of mental status helps to identify any adverse behavioral or cognitive changes early on.This includes monitoring for anxiety,depression,suicidal ideation,confusion,disorientation,hallucinations,and changes in sleep patterns.

e. Assist the client to the bathroom:

Rationale:

Clonazepam can cause drowsiness and dizziness,which can increase the risk of falls,especially in older adults or those with impaired mobility.
Assisting the client to the bathroom and providing support during toileting activities helps to prevent falls and injuries.

Choices not included:

c. Monitor calcium levels:

There is no specific indication for monitoring calcium levels with clonazepam use.

f. Have an opioid agonist at the bedside:

Clonazepam is not indicated for pain management and does not interact significantly with opioid analgesics.Therefore,having an opioid agonist readily available is not a necessary intervention for clonazepam initiation.

Additional Considerations:

Educate the client about the potential side effects of clonazepam,including drowsiness,dizziness,dry mouth,and cognitive changes.
Advise the client to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking clonazepam,as this can increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression.
Instruct the client to take clonazepam exactly as prescribed and not to stop taking it abruptly,as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Monitor the client's sleep patterns and adjust the medication schedule if necessary.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When providing community healthcare teaching regarding the early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, which signs should the nurse advise family members to report (Select all that apply)?

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

Explanation

Exhibits The nurse reviews the physician's orders for clonazepam and gives the medication as ordered. What nursing interventions are appropriate for the client starting clonazepam? Select all that apply.

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

Explanation

Nursing Interventions for Client Starting Clonazepam:

The mother of a 2-day-old infant girl expresses concern about a "flea bite" type rash on her daughter's body. The nurse identifies a pink papular rash with vesicles superimposed over the thorax, back, buttocks, and abdomen. Which explanation should the nurse offer?

The nurse is caring for a client admitted with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who reports a pounding headache. Which action should the nurse take?

In planning care for a client with early stage Alzheimer's disease, the nurse establishes the nursing problem of risk for injury related to impaired judgment. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care?

The nurse is assigned to care for four surgical clients. After receiving report, which client should the nurse see first?

The nurse discovers that an older client with no history of cardiac or renal disease has an elevated serum magnesium level. To further investigate the cause of this electrolyte imbalance, what information is most important for the nurse to obtain from the client's medical history?

The parent of a child born with a myelomeningocele asks the nurse, "What did I do to deserve this?" Which response is most helpful?