Which is the safest sleep aid for the elderly patient with insomnia?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because using empathy is not the correct term for the nursing action of deciding that a nonverbal patient who just had surgery is in pain and administering an analgesic, based on the observation that the patient moans with position changes, the hands are clenched, and the skin is very sweaty. Empathy is a communication technique that involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another person. However, it is not the term that describes the cognitive process of drawing conclusions from the available data.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because setting priorities is not the correct term for the nursing action of deciding that a nonverbal patient who just had surgery is in pain and administering an analgesic, based on the observation that the patient moans with position changes, the hands are clenched, and the skin is very sweaty. Setting priorities is a nursing skill that involves determining the order of importance of the patient's problems and interventions. However, it is not the term that describes the cognitive process of drawing conclusions from the available data.

Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because making inferences is the correct term for the nursing action of deciding that a nonverbal patient who just had surgery is in pain and administering an analgesic, based on the observation that the patient moans with position changes, the hands are clenched, and the skin is very sweaty. Making inferences is a critical thinking skill that involves reaching a logical judgment or assumption based on the available data and evidence. The nurse makes an inference that the patient is in pain based on the patient's nonverbal cues and the fact that the patient just had surgery.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because recognizing inconsistencies is not the correct term for the nursing action of deciding that a nonverbal patient who just had surgery is in pain and administering an analgesic, based on the observation that the patient moans with position changes, the hands are clenched, and the skin is very sweaty. Recognizing inconsistencies is a critical thinking skill that involves identifying discrepancies or contradictions in the data or information. However, it is not the term that describes the cognitive process of drawing conclusions from the available data.

Choice A reason: This is a correct choice because checking the patient’s order list to determine if antiemetic medication has been prescribed for the patient is a priority action of the nurse who notes that the patient is nauseated due to medication side effects. This action is important to manage the patient's nausea and prevent vomiting, which can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and aspiration. The nurse should follow the physician's orders and administer the antiemetic medication as indicated.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because beginning teaching the patient about wound care management, taking care to avoid using terms that the patient might find upsetting, is not a priority action of the nurse who notes that the patient is nauseated due to medication side effects. This action is not appropriate to perform when the patient is feeling sick and uncomfortable, as it may impair the patient's learning ability and motivation. The nurse should postpone the teaching until the patient's nausea is resolved and the patient is ready to learn.

Choice C reason: This is a correct choice because providing measures to relieve the patient’s nausea and returning to teach about wound care when the patient is feeling better is a priority action of the nurse who notes that the patient is nauseated due to medication side effects. This action is essential to address the patient's immediate need and comfort, and to ensure that the patient receives the necessary education about wound care management at a suitable time. The nurse should provide measures such as offering clear liquids, crackers, or ginger, positioning the patient in a semi-Fowler's position, and providing a basin or emesis bag if needed.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because applying a cold cloth to the patient's forehead and maintaining a quiet odor-free environment for the patient is not a priority action of the nurse who notes that the patient is nauseated due to medication side effects. This action is a supportive measure that may help to soothe the patient's nausea, but it is not sufficient to treat the underlying cause or prevent further complications. The nurse should also check the patient's order list and administer the antiemetic medication if prescribed.

Choice E reason: This is an incorrect choice because documenting in the patient’s chart that teaching about wound care management was not done because the patient refused to learn is not a priority action of the nurse who notes that the patient is nauseated due to medication side effects. This action is a false and inaccurate documentation that does not reflect the patient's condition or the nurse's actions. The nurse should document the patient's nausea, the interventions provided, and the plan to resume the teaching when the patient is feeling better.