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The nurse is performing an initial assessment of a client who has an expressionless facial affect, slurred speech, and red conjunctivae. Which question should the nurse ask first? "Have you..."

been sleeping well?"

been depressed lately?"

had anything to eat in the last 24 hours?"

ever had problems with your blood sugar?"

None

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Answer: A. "Have you been sleeping well?"

Rationale:

A) "Have you been sleeping well?": Sleep deprivation can lead to symptoms such as an expressionless facial affect, slurred speech, and red conjunctivae. Assessing for sleep patterns is a priority to rule out this common and reversible cause of the client's symptoms. Sleep deprivation can also exacerbate other underlying conditions.

B) "Have you been depressed lately?": While depression could explain the expressionless affect, it does not typically cause slurred speech or red conjunctivae. Depression can be assessed later if other immediate causes are ruled out.

C) "Have you had anything to eat in the last 24 hours?": Poor nutritional intake could contribute to fatigue or weakness but is less likely to cause all the observed symptoms (expressionless affect, slurred speech, and red conjunctivae). This question is important but not the first priority.

D) "Have you ever had problems with your blood sugar?": Blood sugar imbalances, particularly hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, can cause neurological changes. However, the symptoms described are less specific to blood sugar issues and more indicative of sleep or neurological concerns, making this question less immediately relevant.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Initiate NPO status: The client's sudden cessation of breathing during deep palpation of the abdomen suggests peritoneal irritation, which could be indicative of a serious condition such as appendicitis or peritonitis. Initiating NPO (nothing by mouth) status is crucial in case emergency surgery is required to address the underlying abdominal pathology. NPO status helps prevent complications such as aspiration if surgery becomes necessary.

B) Restrict activity to bed rest: While bed rest may be indicated for certain abdominal conditions to reduce discomfort and prevent exacerbation of symptoms, it is not the most immediate priority in this scenario. The priority is addressing the potential need for emergency surgery and ensuring the client's safety.

C) Monitor urinary output: Monitoring urinary output is important for assessing hydration status and renal function, but it is not the most critical intervention in this scenario where peritoneal irritation is suspected.

D) Obtain an electrocardiogram: While an electrocardiogram (ECG) may be warranted in certain situations, such as if the client is experiencing chest pain or symptoms suggestive of cardiac involvement, it is not indicated as the most immediate action in this scenario of acute abdominal pain and potential peritoneal irritation.

A. Takes an oral anticoagulant. B. Works in a day care center. C. Recently had dental surgery. D. Adheres to a gluten free diet.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Ecchymosis refers to the discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath, typically due to bruising. While ecchymosis can occur for various reasons, the use of oral anticoagulants increases the risk of bleeding and bruising. Therefore, the nurse should further assess the client's use of oral anticoagulants to determine if it is contributing to the observed ecchymosis.

B. Works in a day care center:
Working in a day care center may expose the client to various infectious agents, but it is not directly associated with the development of ecchymosis.

C. Recently had dental surgery:
While dental surgery can sometimes result in minor bleeding and bruising, it is less likely to cause widespread ecchymosis unless there are underlying bleeding disorders or complications.

D. Adheres to a gluten-free diet:
Adhering to a gluten-free diet is not directly related to the development of ecchymosis. However, if the client has celiac disease or another condition requiring a gluten-free diet, the nurse should explore the potential for malabsorption or nutritional deficiencies, which could indirectly contribute to bleeding tendencies.

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The nurse is performing an initial assessment of a client who has an expressionless facial affect, slurred speech, and red conjunctivae. Which question should the nurse ask first? "Have you..."

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

During an abdominal assessment, a client with a temperature of 103° F (39.4° C) experiences pain and abruptly stops inhaling during deep palpation. Which prescription is most important for the nurse to implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When inspecting the client's skin, the nurse observes several areas of ecchymosis on the trunk and extremities. Which information in the client's history requires additional follow-up by the nurse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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