The primary caregiver of an older adult client calls the nurse at the outpatient clinic due to a sudden onset of changes in the client's behavior. The caregiver reports to the nurse that the client normally is oriented and able to answer questions but now is confused and agitated. What
action(s) should the nurse take? Select all that apply.
Ask if the client is experiencing any pain with urination.
Determine if the client has recently experienced a fall.
Provide instruction on taking the client's temperature.
Encourage increased intake of high protein foods.
Review the client's current food and medication allergies
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
A. Ask if the client is experiencing any pain with urination. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in older adults and can lead to sudden changes in behavior, including confusion and agitation.
B. Determine if the client has recently experienced a fall. Falls can lead to head injuries or other trauma that may cause confusion or changes in behavior in older adults.
C. Provide instruction on taking the client's temperature. Fever can be a sign of infection, which might be causing the sudden behavioral changes. Monitoring temperature can help identify if an infection is present.
D. Encourage increased intake of high protein foods. While good nutrition is important, it is not directly related to the sudden onset of confusion and agitation, making this a less immediate priority.
E. Review the client's current food and medication allergies. Allergic reactions to foods or
medications can cause sudden behavioral changes. Reviewing allergies can help determine if this is the cause of the symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Right ear hearing loss. While significant, right ear hearing loss is not immediately life- threatening.
B. Difficulty with balance. Balance issues may be concerning but are not typically indicative of a life-threatening condition.
C. Intensifying headache. An intensifying headache can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure, which is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
D. Facial numbness. Facial numbness can indicate nerve involvement but is not as immediately concerning as an intensifying headache, which could indicate a serious neurological issue such as bleeding or swelling in the brain.
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
A. Measure the respiratory rate
While important, measuring the respiratory rate is not the first priority in the primary survey of trauma assessment.
B. Palpate the abdomen
Palpating the abdomen is part of the secondary survey in trauma care, which comes after the primary survey and initial stabilization.
C. Check the airway for patency
The first step in the primary survey (ABCDE approach) is to check the airway to ensure it is patent. If the airway is not clear, the patient cannot breathe, and immediate intervention is needed.
D. Feel for a pulse
While checking circulation (which includes feeling for a pulse) is important, it comes after ensuring the airway and cervical spine are addressed.
E. Stabilize the cervical spine
In trauma patients, particularly those with falls or other significant mechanisms of injury, stabilizing the cervical spine is crucial to prevent potential spinal cord injury.
F. Call for an x-ray
Ordering imaging studies is important but is not part of the initial primary survey, which focuses on immediate life-threatening conditions.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.