The practical nurse (PN) notes that an older female client has developed a nonproductive cough and seems more confused than the previous day. Vital signs are temperature 99.8°F (37.66°C); pulse 94; respirations 22; and blood pressure (BP) 108/54. Which intervention is most important for the PN to implement?
Monitor the client's temperature hourly.
Offer the client fluids frequently.
Provide care to moisten oral mucosa.
Report the findings to the charge nurse.
The Correct Answer is D
Correct Answer: D. Report the findings to the charge nurse.
Choice A rationale:
Monitoring the client's temperature hourly may be indicated if the client's condition deteriorates or if there are specific concerns about fever. However, the temperature of 99.8°F (37.66°C) is not significantly elevated and may not be the primary concern in this situation.
Choice B rationale:
Offering the client fluids frequently is a good nursing practice, but it is not the most important intervention in this case. The client's nonproductive cough and increased confusion need to be addressed and reported first.
Choice C rationale:
Providing care to moisten oral mucosa is important for maintaining oral health and preventing dryness and discomfort. However, it may not directly address the client's current symptoms of cough and confusion.
Choice D rationale:
Reporting the findings to the charge nurse is the most crucial intervention. The client's nonproductive cough and increased confusion may be indicative of an underlying issue, such as a respiratory infection or a change in neurological status. The charge nurse can initiate further assessments, notify the healthcare provider, and implement appropriate interventions to address the client's condition promptly. Timely reporting and communication are essential to ensure the client receives appropriate care.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is the finding that the PN should report to the charge nurse because it indicates a possible complication of Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is autonomic dysfunction. This can affect the cardiac, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems and cause life-threatening problems such as arrhythmias, hypotension, or respiratory failure. The PN should monitor the client's vital signs closely and report any abnormal changes.
B. Profuse diaphoresis is not a priority finding and may be related to other factors such as fever, anxiety, or medication side effects.
C. Lower leg weakness is an expected finding in Guillain-Barre syndrome and does not need to be reported unless it progresses rapidly or affects the respiratory muscles.
D. Full facial flushing is not a priority finding and may be related to other factors such as vasodilation, inflammation, or medication side effects.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
"I will be back in 30 minutes to help you get out of bed and walk around the room today.”.
Choice B rationale:
Telling the client that she must ambulate to avoid complications (Choice B) may be true, but it comes across as authoritarian and may further upset the client. It is essential to address the client's feelings of anger and approach the situation with empathy and understanding.
Choice C rationale:
Acknowledging the client's anger about the pain of ambulation (Choice C) is a good start, but it is not enough. The nurse should follow up with a plan to assist and encourage the client to walk later, promoting collaboration in the healing process.
Choice D rationale:
Informing the client about specific instructions to ambulate (Choice D) is important, but the response lacks empathy and fails to address the client's feelings. The nurse needs to consider the client's mental disability and approach the situation with sensitivity.
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