During the admission assessment, the nurse assesses the patient for fall risk. Which finding will alert the nurse to an increased risk for falls?
- A. The patient is oriented.
- B. The patient takes a hypnotic.
- C. The patient walks 2 miles a day.
- D. The patient recently became widowed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The patient takes a hypnotic. Patients taking hypnotic medications are at an increased risk for falls due to the sedative effects of these drugs, causing dizziness, impaired balance, and confusion. This increases the likelihood of accidents and falls.
Incorrect Choices:
A: The patient is oriented. Being oriented does not necessarily indicate a decreased risk for falls.
C: The patient walks 2 miles a day. Regular exercise is beneficial for overall health but does not directly correlate with fall risk.
D: The patient recently became widowed. While emotional distress can affect a person's well-being, it does not directly indicate an increased risk for falls.
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The nurse is trying to use alternatives rather than restrain a patient. Which finding will cause the nurse to determine the alternative is working?
- A. The patient continues to get up from the chair at the nurses' station.
- B. The patient gets restless when the sitter leaves for lunch.
- C. The patient folds three washcloths over and over.
- D. The patient apologizes for being 'such a bother.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient folding three washcloths over and over demonstrates engagement in a repetitive, soothing activity, indicating reduced agitation or restlessness. Choice A shows lack of improvement as the patient is still trying to get up. Choice B suggests dependency on the sitter for comfort. Choice D indicates compliance due to guilt, not necessarily effectiveness of the alternative.
The nurse is caring for a patient who suddenly becomes confused and tries to remove an intravenous (IV) infusion. Which priority action will the nurse take?
- A. Assess the patient.
- B. Gather restraint supplies.
- C. Try alternatives to restraint.
- D. Call the health care provider for a restraint order.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient. The nurse's priority is to assess the patient to determine the cause of sudden confusion and agitation. This may be due to various reasons such as hypoxia, hypoglycemia, infection, or medication side effects. Assessing the patient's vital signs, oxygen saturation, blood glucose level, and reviewing medication administration can help identify the underlying cause. Gathering restraint supplies (B) should not be the initial action as it may not address the root cause of the confusion and can lead to further agitation. Trying alternatives to restraint (C) is important, but assessing the patient should come first. Calling the healthcare provider for a restraint order (D) should only be considered after other interventions have been attempted.
The nurse is completing an admission history on a new home health patient. The patient has been experiencing seizures as the result of a recent brain injury. Which interventions should the nurse utilize for this patient and family? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Demonstrate how to restrain the patient in the event of a seizure.
- B. Instruct the family to move the patient to a bed during a seizure.
- C. Teach the family how to insert a tongue depressor during the seizure.
- D. Discuss with the family steps to take if the seizure does not discontinue.
- E. Instruct the family to reorient and reassure the patient after consciousness is regained.
Correct Answer: D,E
Rationale: The correct answers are D and E. D is important as it addresses the need for the family to know what to do if the seizure does not stop, such as calling emergency services. E is crucial as it focuses on the post-seizure care, which includes reorienting and reassuring the patient. A is incorrect as restraining a patient during a seizure can be harmful. B is incorrect as moving the patient during a seizure can lead to injury. C is incorrect as inserting a tongue depressor can also be harmful and is not recommended during a seizure.
The nurse is assessing a patient for lead poisoning. Which patient is the nurse most likely assessing?
- A. Young infant
- B. Toddler
- C. Preschooler
- D. Adolescent
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Toddler. Toddlers are at higher risk for lead poisoning due to their hand-to-mouth behavior and increased exposure to lead-containing objects. Young infants are less likely to be mobile and interact with potential sources of lead. Preschoolers and adolescents have lower risk compared to toddlers due to reduced mouthing behavior. Therefore, the nurse is most likely assessing a toddler for lead poisoning.
A patient has an ankle restraint applied. Upon assessment
- A. the nurse finds the toes a light blue color. Which action will the nurse take next?
- B. Remove the restraint.
- C. Place a blanket over the feet.
- D. Do a complete head-to-toe neurologic assessment.
- E. Take the patient's vital signs.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a light blue color in the toes indicates poor circulation due to the restraint. The nurse should assess for tissue damage and remove the restraint immediately to restore circulation. Removing the restraint is the priority to prevent further complications. Choice B is incorrect as it doesn't address the circulatory issue. Choices C, D, and E are not the immediate concern and can be addressed after addressing the circulation problem.