The best way to assess a 70-year-old patient’s recent memory recall is for the nurse to ask the patient to:
Write a series of numbers.
Recall four words told to him/her 10 minutes earlier.
Verify information, such as mother’s maiden name.
Name the past four presidents.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Writing a series of numbers tests attention or working memory, not recent memory recall. Recalling words after a delay specifically assesses short-term memory, which is more relevant for a 70-year-old, so this is not the best method.
Choice B reason: Asking a patient to recall four words after 10 minutes directly tests recent memory, a key cognitive function in older adults. This method is standard in assessments like the Mini-Mental State Exam, making it the best choice for evaluating memory.
Choice C reason: Verifying information like a mother’s maiden name tests long-term memory, not recent recall. Recent memory involves retaining new information, so recalling words after a delay is more appropriate, making this incorrect.
Choice D reason: Naming past presidents relies on long-term memory and general knowledge, not recent memory. Recalling newly learned words after 10 minutes better assesses short-term memory, so this is not the best approach for recent memory.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Extension is straightening a joint, not moving toward the body’s midline. Adduction describes the arm moving inward, so this is incorrect for the described joint movement.
Choice B reason: Adduction is the movement of a limb toward the body’s midline, such as bringing the arm inward. This matches the nurse’s description, making it the correct term for the movement.
Choice C reason: Flexion is bending a joint, like elbow curling, not moving toward the midline. Adduction is specific to inward motion, so this is incorrect for the arm’s movement.
Choice D reason: Abduction is moving away from the midline, opposite to the described action. Adduction is the term for inward movement, so this is incorrect for the joint motion described.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Breathing difficulty is the highest priority, as it affects oxygenation, a life-threatening issue. Pain is next, impacting comfort and recovery, followed by sleep, which supports healing. This follows the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) prioritization, making it the correct order for addressing the patient’s issues.
Choice B reason: Prioritizing sleep over pain after breathing is incorrect; pain is more urgent, as it distresses and affects recovery, while sleep is secondary. Breathing remains first, but pain precedes sleep, so this is incorrect for prioritization.
Choice C reason: Sleep as the first priority ignores breathing, a critical life-threatening issue. Breathing and pain are more urgent, with sleep supporting long-term recovery, so this is incorrect for acute care prioritization principles.
Choice D reason: Placing sleep first and breathing last disregards life-threatening breathing issues. Breathing, then pain, then sleep align with ABC priorities, ensuring patient patient safety, so this is incorrect for the nurse’s approach.
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