The nurse is assessing an elderly client who has become confused since admission to the hospital two days ago.
Which assessment should the nurse complete first?
Oxygen saturation measurement.
Review of current medications.
Intake and output last 24 hours.
Use of hearing aids or glasses.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because the first priority for assessing an elderly client who has become confused since admission is to rule out hypoxia, which can cause or worsen delirium. Hypoxia can result from various conditions, such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or heart failure.
Oxygen saturation measurement is a quick and non-invasive way to assess the oxygen level in the blood and identify hypoxia.
Choice B. Review of current medications is wrong because although medications can cause or contribute to confusion and delirium in older adults, they are not the most urgent assessment to perform.
Medications should be reviewed after ensuring adequate oxygenation and addressing other possible causes of confusion.
Choice C. Intake and output last 24 hours is wrong because although dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can cause or worsen confusion and delirium in older adults, they are not the most urgent assessment to perform.
Intake and output should be monitored after ensuring adequate oxygenation and addressing other possible causes of confusion.
Choice D. Use of hearing aids or glasses is wrong because although sensory impairment can cause or worsen confusion and delirium in older adults, it is not the most urgent assessment to perform.
The use of hearing aids or glasses should be ensured after ensuring adequate oxygenation and addressing other possible causes of confusion.
Normal ranges for oxygen saturation are 95% to 100% for healthy adults. Lower levels may indicate hypoxia or other respiratory or cardiac problems.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Palms, soles and nails.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can develop in any color skin, including dark or black skin.
However, melanoma on dark skin is not related to sun exposure and can start in places that get little sun. That includes the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, nails, and inside your mouth, anal, and genital areas.
Choice A is wrong because eyes, ears, lips, and scalp are not common areas for melanoma in people of color.
Choice C is wrong because head, neck and trunk are more likely to be affected by sun exposure and other types of skin cancer than melanoma in people of color.
Choice D is wrong because lower legs and back are also more exposed to sun and other types of skin cancer than melanoma in people of color.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
I give the client his medications when the wife is grocery shopping. This statement would require the nurse to re-evaluate and correct the plan of care because home health aides are not allowed to administer medications in most states. Home health aides can only provide medication reminders, help put the medication into the hands of the user, or assist with self-administration of certain forms of medications.
Giving medications to the client without supervision or delegation by a registered nurse or physician is a violation of the scope of practice and could harm the client.
Choice A is wrong because removing throw rugs from the client’s walking path is a safety measure that can prevent falls and injuries for a client with Alzheimer’s disease.
Choice B is wrong because documenting activities with the client before leaving for the day is a professional responsibility that ensures continuity of care and accountability.
Choice C is wrong because contacting the nurse if there are any questions about the plan of care is a sign of good communication and collaboration that can enhance the quality of care for the client.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today