A healthcare provider is assessing the pain level of a client who has dementia and difficulty communicating. Which pain assessment technique should the healthcare provider use?
- A. Verbal self-report
- B. Pain scale
- C. Behavioral indicators
- D. Observing facial expressions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In clients with dementia and difficulty communicating, using behavioral indicators such as agitation and restlessness is more reliable for assessing pain than relying on verbal self-report, pain scales, or observing facial expressions. Verbal self-report may not be possible due to communication challenges, pain scales may be difficult for the client to comprehend, and observing facial expressions alone may not provide a comprehensive assessment of pain in individuals with dementia.
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A healthcare professional is reviewing the health history of a client who has a hip fracture. What is a risk factor for developing pressure injuries?
- A. Increased fluid intake
- B. Urinary incontinence
- C. Poor nutrition
- D. Immobility
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Urinary incontinence is a risk factor for developing pressure injuries as it can lead to skin breakdown due to constant exposure to moisture and irritation. Increased fluid intake is important for hydration and overall health but is not directly linked to pressure injuries. Poor nutrition can impair wound healing but is not a direct risk factor for pressure injuries. Immobility can contribute to the development of pressure injuries but is not as directly related as urinary incontinence.
A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain and redness at the site of a peripheral IV. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Apply a cold compress to the site
- B. Discontinue the IV line
- C. Notify the provider
- D. Increase the IV flow rate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client reports pain and redness at the site of a peripheral IV, indicating signs of phlebitis, the nurse's initial action should be to discontinue the IV line. This helps prevent further complications and ensures patient safety. Applying a cold compress (Choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Notifying the provider (Choice C) is important but not the initial step. Increasing the IV flow rate (Choice D) can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a narcotic medication. What should the nurse do with the unused portion after administration?
- A. Store it in the medication cart for later use
- B. Discard it with a witness present
- C. Return it to the pharmacy
- D. Report it to the provider
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take with the unused portion of a narcotic medication after administration is to discard it with a witness present. This procedure is necessary to comply with controlled substance regulations and prevent diversion or misuse of the medication. Storing it in the medication cart for later use is inappropriate as it can lead to unauthorized access. Returning it to the pharmacy is not recommended as the medication has already been dispensed. Reporting it to the provider is not the standard procedure for disposing of controlled substances.
A nurse is preparing to administer enteral feedings to a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Measure the residual gastric volume
- B. Verify tube placement
- C. Flush the tube with 100 mL of water
- D. Administer the feeding in small boluses
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Verifying tube placement is the crucial initial step a nurse should take before administering enteral feedings through an NG tube. This step ensures that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration. Measuring residual gastric volume, flushing the tube with water, or administering the feeding in small boluses are all important steps in enteral feeding but should only be done after confirming the correct tube placement.
A nurse is monitoring a client receiving intermittent enteral feedings. What should the nurse identify as a sign of intolerance to the feeding?
- A. Decreased heart rate
- B. Nausea
- C. Fever
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nausea is a common sign of intolerance to enteral feedings and should be addressed promptly. Nausea can indicate various issues such as feeding intolerance, formula composition problems, or underlying medical conditions. Decreased heart rate, fever, and weight gain are not typical signs of feeding intolerance. Decreased heart rate and fever may indicate other medical conditions, while weight gain is not an immediate sign of intolerance to enteral feedings.
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