The nurse is reviewing the client's admission assessment to determine contributing factors to the client's change in mental status.
An older adult client was transferred to the ICU after they developed fever and hypotension. The client was initially admitted 4 days ago with a left hip fracture and subsequently underwent total left hip arthroplasty.
The client is alert and oriented to person, place, and time.
Past Medical History: hypertension, congestive heart failure, Parkinson's disease
Social History: Client has visual loss without their glasses. The client is hard of hearing with hearing aids in place.
An older adult client
fever and hypotension
left hip fracture
total left hip arthroplasty
hypertension
congestive heart failure
Parkinson's disease
visual loss without their glasses
hard of hearing with hearing aids in place.
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","G","H"]
Rationale:
• An older adult client is at high risk for delirium due to age-related changes in the brain and reduced physiological reserve. ICU environments and acute illness increase susceptibility in older adults. Age over 65 is a primary risk factor in many validated delirium screening tools.
• Fever and hypotension suggest a systemic infection and possible sepsis, which can impair cerebral perfusion. This can trigger acute confusion or delirium, especially in vulnerable individuals. The combination of infection and low blood pressure disrupts normal brain function.
• Total left hip arthroplasty involves major surgery and potential postoperative complications such as infection or pain. Surgical trauma, anesthesia, and immobility all increase delirium risk. Recent surgery also increases inflammatory cytokine activity affecting cognition.
• Past medical history: Parkinson’s disease is linked to higher delirium risk due to existing neurotransmitter imbalances. The condition often coexists with cognitive decline or medication interactions. Parkinson’s-related brain changes make acute confusion more likely.
• Visual loss without glasses limits sensory input and orientation cues, contributing to perceptual disturbances. Poor vision can lead to misinterpretation of surroundings, promoting hallucinations or paranoia. Environmental disorientation is a key factor in ICU-related delirium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Eat foods high in vitamin B: Although B-vitamin deficiencies can contribute to stomatitis, eating foods high in vitamin B may not immediately relieve symptoms. Nutritional support is important long-term, but bland food recommendations provide immediate comfort.
B. Consume soft, bland foods: Soft, bland foods reduce mechanical and chemical irritation to the oral mucosa, promoting healing and reducing discomfort. These are ideal dietary choices for clients with stomatitis.
C. Rinse the mouth with an alcohol-based mouthwash: Alcohol-based mouthwashes can worsen irritation and dryness of the oral mucosa, aggravating stomatitis symptoms. Alcohol-free rinses or saline solutions are better alternatives.
D. Use lemon glycerin swabs: Lemon glycerin swabs can cause further drying and irritation of the mucosa. They are not recommended for clients with stomatitis, as they may intensify pain and inflammation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Tilt the client's head forward during meals: Tilting the head forward, also known as the chin-tuck technique, helps close the airway and reduce the risk of aspiration in clients with dysphagia. This position facilitates safer swallowing by improving bolus control and airway protection.
B. Encourage socialization during meal times: While social interaction is generally beneficial, clients with dysphagia require focused attention during meals to prevent choking or aspiration. Distractions can compromise concentration on swallowing techniques and safety precautions.
C. Elevate the head of the client's bed to 30": Although elevating the head of the bed helps reduce aspiration risk, a 30" elevation is not optimal for swallowing. A 45–90 degree upright position is typically recommended during meals to support safer swallowing mechanics.
D. Provide three large meals per day: Clients with dysphagia benefit more from small, frequent meals to reduce fatigue and lower the risk of aspiration. Large meals can overwhelm their ability to chew and swallow safely, increasing the risk of complications.
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