The nurse observes an older adult client walking aimlessly in the hallway and staring straight ahead with a blank expression. How should the nurse enter documentation of this finding in the client's electronic medical record (EMR)?
Appears confused and depressed.
Demonstrates signs of early dementia.
Ambulatory and disoriented to place.
Wandering behavior with flat affect.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Appears confused and depressed is incorrect. This option includes subjective interpretations ("confused" and "depressed") that may not accurately reflect the observed behavior. It's important to avoid subjective assessments and stick to objective descriptions of the client's behavior and mental status.
Choice B Reason:
Demonstrates signs of early dementia is incorrect. This option jumps to a diagnostic label ("early dementia") based on the observed behavior, which is not appropriate without further assessment and evaluation by a healthcare provider specializing in geriatric care or neurology. It's crucial to avoid diagnosing conditions based solely on observations without proper evaluation.
Choice C Reason:
While the client is ambulatory, the term "disoriented to place" is an assumption that has not been explicitly confirmed through an assessment. The documentation should be based on observable facts rather than assumptions.
Choice D Reason:
This statement is accurate, objective, and based on observable behaviors. "Wandering behavior" describes the client's aimless walking, and "flat affect" refers to the blank expression. This documentation does not make assumptions about the client's mental state beyond what is directly observable.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Purulent secretions from eyes and nares is incorrect. Purulent secretions, which are thick and yellow or green in color, typically indicate the presence of a bacterial infection rather than allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is more commonly associated with clear nasal discharge, although it can sometimes be accompanied by a mild increase in nasal secretions.
Choice B Reason:
Snoring and bilateral, pale gray nodules is incorrect. Snoring and bilateral, pale gray nodules suggest adenoid hypertrophy rather than allergic rhinitis. Adenoid hypertrophy refers to enlargement of the adenoids, which are lymphoid tissue located in the back of the nasal cavity. Enlarged adenoids can lead to snoring and the presence of grayish nodules upon examination of the nasopharynx.
Choice C Reason:
Intranasal edema and swelling of turbinates are correct. Intranasal edema (swelling inside the nose) and swelling of turbinates are characteristic features of allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis results from inflammation of the nasal mucosa in response to exposure to allergens, leading to nasal congestion and swelling of the turbinates.
Choice D Reason:
Eye tearing and thick yellow nasal drainage is incorrect. Eye tearing and thick yellow nasal drainage suggest the presence of sinusitis rather than allergic rhinitis. Sinusitis is characterized by inflammation of the sinuses, which can result in symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, thick nasal discharge, and eye tearing due to sinus pressure affecting the tear ducts.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Ask about recent abdominal trauma: in this case, the depressed umbilicus is a normal finding, so no further action related to trauma assessment is necessary.
Choice B Reason:
Palpate the area for masses: Palpating the area for masses is a good practice during abdominal assessments. However, in the context of a depressed umbilicus, this finding is not indicative of an abnormal mass. Therefore, palpation is not specifically warranted.
Choice C Reason:
Document the normal finding: Correct! A depressed umbilicus that lies below the surface of the abdomen is considered a normal variation. Documenting this finding ensures accurate and comprehensive assessment documentation.
Choice D Reason:
Observe the midline for scarring: While observing the midline for scarring is relevant in some situations (such as assessing for surgical scars), it’s not directly related to the depressed umbilicus. Therefore, this action is not necessary based on the specific finding described.
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