The family of an older adult client brings him to the emergency department after finding him wandering outside. During the initial assessment, the nurse notes that the client flinches when she palpates his abdomen yet responds to questions only by nodding and smiling.
Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as a likely explanation for the client's behavior?
He is hard of hearing.
Confusion
Pain
Language barrier
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
A. He is hard of hearing:
This is unlikely. While hearing impairment could explain some difficulty in communication, it would not explain the flinching upon abdominal palpation or the wandering behavior. Hearing-impaired clients typically respond to nonverbal cues or attempt to communicate their understanding in other ways.
B. Confusion:
This is correct. The client's wandering behavior, lack of verbal response, and smiling/nodding without clear understanding are indicative of confusion, which is common in older adults experiencing delirium, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. The flinching during abdominal palpation suggests a physical issue, but the client's inability to articulate his discomfort further supports confusion as a contributing factor.
C. Pain:
While pain could explain the flinching during palpation, it does not account for the wandering behavior or the lack of meaningful verbal communication. Pain may coexist with confusion but is not the primary explanation for his overall behavior.
D. Language barrier:
A language barrier could explain difficulty in verbal communication, but it does not account for the wandering behavior or the flinching upon palpation. Additionally, the family’s ability to communicate with the healthcare team suggests this is not the most likely factor
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Education may influence the communication process to a significant extent as an interpersonal variable.
B. Time can affect communication in terms of available time for interaction, but it is not specifically related to interpersonal variables.
C. Perception refers to how individuals interpret and make sense of information. It is a key interpersonal variable that can influence how a message is received and understood.
D. Gender can be an interpersonal variable that affects communication. Different genders may have different communication styles and preferences.
E. Feedback is not considered an interpersonl ariation that can affect communication
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Initiative vs. guilt is the developmental stage for children aged 3 to 6 years, where they begin to assert control and power over their environment. This stage is not applicable for a 9-year-old child.
B. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt is relevant for children aged 1 to 3 years. This stage focuses on children developing a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence, which is not directly relevant to a 9-year-old.
C. Identity vs. role confusion typically applies to adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, where individuals explore their independence and develop a sense of self and personal identity, making it less relevant for a 9-year-old child.
D. Industry vs. inferiority is the stage for children aged 6 to 12 years, where they develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities. During this stage, children are learning to cope with new social and academic demands, making it essential for the nurse to consider the child's self-esteem and competence in managing their asthma and engaging in age-appropriate activities. This stage directly relates to the planning of home care for the 9-year-old child with asthma.
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