The elderly client is complaining of abdominal discomfort. Which scientific rationale should the nurse remember when addressing an elderly client's perception of pain?
- A. Elderly clients react to pain the same way any other age group does.
- B. The elderly client usually requires more pain medication.
- C. Reaction to painful stimuli may be decreased with age.
- D. The elderly client should use the Wong scale to assess pain.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Age-related sensory decline reduces pain perception in the elderly, affecting reporting. Pain reaction varies, more medication is not standard, and the Wong scale is pediatric.
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Which assessment technique should the nurse implement when assessing the client's cranial nerves for vibration?
- A. Move the big toe up and down and ask in which direction the vibration is felt.
- B. Place a tuning fork on the big toe and ask if the vibrations are felt.
- C. Tap the client's cheek with the finger and determine if vibrations are felt.
- D. Touch the arm with two sharp objects and ask if one (1) vibration or two (2) is felt.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Placing a tuning fork on the big toe assesses vibration sense (via dorsal column pathways), not cranial nerves directly, but is the correct technique. Other options assess different sensations.
The client is two (2) hours postoperative right-ear mastoidectomy. Which assessment data should be reported to the health-care provider?
- A. Complaints of aural fullness.
- B. Hearing loss in the affected ear.
- C. No vertigo.
- D. Facial drooping.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Facial drooping suggests cranial nerve VII injury, a serious complication post-mastoidectomy, requiring immediate reporting. Fullness and hearing loss are expected, and no vertigo is normal.
A young man was swimming at the beach when an exceptionally large wave caused him to be drawn under the water. His family members found him in the water and pulled him ashore. He states that he heard something snap in his neck. When a nurse arrives, he is conscious and lying on his back. He states that he has no pain. He is unable to move his legs. How should he be transported?
- A. Position him in a prone position and place on a backboard.
- B. Apply a neck collar and position supine on a backboard.
- C. Log roll him to a rigid backboard.
- D. Position in an upright position with a firm neck collar.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A suspected neck injury requires immobilization with a neck collar and supine positioning on a backboard to prevent further spinal cord damage.
The nurse is concerned that the client in a long-term care facility is experiencing retinal detachment. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Flush the eye thoroughly with saline solution and apply a pressure bandage.
- B. Apply an eye shield to the affected eye and give a prescribed oral analgesic.
- C. Notify the HCP; prepare for transport to a facility for ophthalmological care.
- D. Patch both eyes and place the client in a prone position until blurring stops.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should contact the HCP and secure an ophthalmological evaluation promptly. Flushing the eye and applying a pressure bandage may cause further injury and delay treatment. Applying an eye shield and analgesic or patching both eyes delays securing treatment.
The nurse is teaching the client who has otitis media. To reduce the risk of recurrent otitis media, which vaccine should the nurse recommend?
- A. Varicella vaccine
- B. Pneumococcal vaccine
- C. Typhoid vaccine
- D. Zoster vaccine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumococcal vaccine can reduce the risk of ear infections. Varicella, typhoid, and zoster vaccines prevent other conditions.