The nurse is assessing an older client who is having difficulty remembering events from earlier in the day and concentrating on the questions being asked. A family member shares that the client's home was recently sold and the client has just moved in with them.

Which nursing response best promotes effective communication with the family?

If the dementia is a result of Alzheimer's disease, it is often reversible even in the late stages.

The client is exhibiting symptoms of dementia and because of age, it may be permanent.

The client's delirium may be due to depression and is possibly reversible.

Delirium is often a sign of underlying mental illness and institutionalization is often necessary.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Given the client's difficulty with memory, concentration, and recent life changes, it is

important for the nurse to acknowledge the possibility of delirium as a potential cause of the client's symptoms. Delirium is an acute state of confusion that can be caused by various factors, including physical illness, medication side effects, and emotional stressors. It is often reversible when the underlying cause is identified and treated.

By mentioning the possibility of delirium and its potential reversibility, the nurse opens up the conversation to exploring other factors that may be contributing to the client's symptoms. This response also provides hope to the family by suggesting that the client's condition may improve with appropriate interventions and management.

Stating that dementia resulting from Alzheimer's disease is often reversible even in the late stages is incorrect. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that currently has no cure, and the symptoms tend to worsen over time.

Reversibility is not typically associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Indicating that the client's symptoms of dementia are permanent due to age is a generalization and may not be accurate. While age is a risk factor for certain types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, it does not mean that all memory and cognitive difficulties in older adults are irreversible.

Suggesting that delirium is often a sign of underlying mental illness and institutionalization is necessary is not appropriate. Delirium is a medical condition that requires thorough assessment and appropriate management, including addressing any underlying causes. Institutionalization may be considered in certain situations, but it is not the primary focus of communication in this context.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A functional assessment is an evaluation of an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), which includes tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, and mobility. Falls are a common and significant issue among older adults and are a leading cause of injury and hospitalization. Therefore, it is important to assess the client's risk of falling and inquire about any recent falls to develop an appropriate plan of care to prevent falls.

Encouraging the client to lie as still as possible during the assessment is not appropriate as it may not provide an accurate evaluation of the client's ability to perform ADLs.

Additionally, it is important to assess the client's functional status in a way that is safe and comfortable for them.

Assisting the client with values clarification about end-of-life care options is not appropriate during a functional assessment as it is not directly related to the client's ability to perform ADLs.

Asking the client how often episodes of sundowning are experienced is not appropriate during a functional assessment as sundowning is a symptom of dementia and is not directly related to the client's ability to perform ADLs.

A. Hematocrit. B. Platelet count. C. Creatinine level. D. White blood cell (WBC) count.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The presence of purulent drainage at the wound indicates a potential infection, and monitoring the client's WBC count is an important laboratory value to assess for signs of infection. An elevated WBC count, specifically an increase in the neutrophil count (neutrophilia), can indicate an active infection and provide important information for the healthcare provider when evaluating the wound.

While hematocrit, platelet count, and creatinine level are essential laboratory values to assess the client's overall condition, they may not provide specific information regarding the presence of infection or purulent drainage at the wound site.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An older client is being admitted to a short-term rehabilitation facility after a long hospitalization. The nurse is performing a functional assessment with the client. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

While changing a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the wound. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse implements a primary prevention program for sexually transmitted diseases in a nurse-managed health center. Which outcome Indicates that the program was effective?

After a spider bite on the lower extremity, a client is admitted for treatment of an infection that is spreading up the leg. Which admission assessment finding(s) should the nurse report to the healthcare provider? (Select all that apply.)

After receiving a change of shift report for clients on a medical surgical unit, which activity should the nurse delegate to the practical nurse (PN)?

The nurse is managing the care of a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which intervention(s) should the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.)

The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). When providing teaching on lowering blood glucose levels and increasing serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which instruction should the nurse include?