The nurse is preparing to feed a newly admitted older adult client who is debilitated, but is able to respond to most commands. Before starting to feed the client, which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?
The consistency of the prescribed diet.
Review of current medications.
Client's ability to chew and swallow.
The client's respiratory rate and lung sounds.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Knowing the consistency of the prescribed diet (e.g., pureed, mechanical soft, or regular) is important for planning the feeding process and ensuring that the diet meets the client's needs and restrictions. However, this information is secondary to assessing the client’s ability to safely chew and swallow.
B. While reviewing current medications is important for understanding potential drug interactions, side effects, or dietary restrictions, it is not the most immediate concern before feeding. Medications can influence appetite and digestion, but the priority is ensuring the client can safely handle the food.
C. This is the most critical information to obtain before feeding a debilitated client. Assessing the client's ability to chew and swallow helps prevent complications such as aspiration, choking, or aspiration pneumonia. The nurse should ensure that the client can safely manage the food given to them and that their swallowing mechanisms are functioning adequately.
D. While monitoring the respiratory rate and lung sounds is important for overall health assessment, it is not the immediate priority before starting a feeding session. However, it is important to monitor for signs of aspiration during and after feeding, as compromised swallowing can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While establishing a mental status baseline is important for assessing the client's overall neurological condition and any potential changes in consciousness or cognition, it is not the immediate priority in this case.
B. Inserting a urinary catheter might be necessary for monitoring urine output, especially if there are concerns about fluid balance or kidney function. However, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario unless there are signs of urinary retention or output issues.
C. Checking the accuracy of the medication list is important for understanding the client's current treatment regimen and any possible drug interactions or errors. However, this action does not directly address the urgent symptoms of fever, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision, which could be indicative of a more immediate medical issue.
D. Given the client’s history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and the presenting symptoms, obtaining a capillary blood glucose level is the most critical and immediate intervention. The symptoms of fever, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision can be associated with hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Using a bag valve mask (BVM) to manually ventilate the client would be considered an extraordinary measure, which conflicts with the client's living will stating no extraordinary measures should be taken.
B. While it's essential to ensure that the client's current wishes are respected, the client is likely unable to communicate effectively due to their condition. If the client were able to express their wishes at this stage, it might be important to confirm, but given the client's living will and the established DNR order, the primary focus should be on adhering to these documents.
C. Reporting the client's status to the healthcare provider is important to ensure that the provider is informed about the client’s current condition and can offer guidance or make necessary adjustments in the care plan. However, if the healthcare provider is already aware of the client's living will and DNR order, this step may be secondary to following the existing orders.
D. Administering supplemental oxygen via a nasal cannula is a palliative measure that can provide comfort without being considered an extraordinary measure. It aligns with the goal of providing symptom relief and comfort care rather than resuscitation or life-extending interventions.
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