Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for a patient with xerostomia?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because powerlessness related to inability to keep from eating during sleep is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who developed sleep-related eating disorder when taking Zolpidem. Powerlessness is a psychosocial problem that affects the patient's sense of control and self-efficacy. However, it is not the most urgent or life-threatening problem for the patient, as it does not pose an immediate risk of harm or injury.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because wandering related to cognitive impairment from sleeping aid is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who developed sleep-related eating disorder when taking Zolpidem. Wandering is a behavioral problem that involves moving about aimlessly or without purpose. However, it is not the most urgent or life-threatening problem for the patient, as it does not necessarily imply a risk of harm or injury.

Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because risk for falls related to ambulating to kitchen while asleep is the highest priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who developed sleep-related eating disorder when taking Zolpidem. Risk for falls is a safety problem that involves an increased likelihood of falling due to factors such as impaired balance, coordination, or judgment. This is the most urgent and life-threatening problem for the patient, as it can result in serious injuries or complications.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because risk for imbalanced nutrition: more than body requirements related to sleep eating is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who developed sleep-related eating disorder when taking Zolpidem. Risk for imbalanced nutrition: more than body requirements is a physiological problem that involves an intake of nutrients that exceeds metabolic needs. However, it is not the most urgent or life-threatening problem for the patient, as it does not cause an immediate risk of harm or injury.

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because utilizing a no-rinse shampoo cap is the best option for washing the patient’s hair who has just undergone shoulder replacement surgery. A no-rinse shampoo cap is a disposable cap that contains a pre-moistened shampoo and conditioner. It can be heated in a microwave and applied to the patient's head without the need for water or rinsing. It can clean and condition the patient's hair without causing any discomfort or movement of the affected shoulder.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because using a handheld shower sprayer is not the best option for washing the patient’s hair who has just undergone shoulder replacement surgery. A handheld shower sprayer is a device that attaches to a faucet and allows the user to direct the water flow. It can be difficult and painful for the patient to use or hold the sprayer with the affected shoulder, and it can also wet the surgical dressing or incision site.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because having the patient lean over the wash basin is not the best option for washing the patient’s hair who has just undergone shoulder replacement surgery. A wash basin is a bowl or sink that contains water and soap for washing. It can be uncomfortable and risky for the patient to lean over the basin with the affected shoulder, and it can also wet the surgical dressing or incision site.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because having the patient lean back into the sink is not the best option for washing the patient’s hair who has just undergone shoulder replacement surgery. A sink is a basin with a faucet that provides water for washing. It can be uncomfortable and risky for the patient to lean back into the sink with the affected shoulder, and it can also wet the surgical dressing or incision site.