A client who is taking clonidine (Catapres, Duraclon) reports drowsiness. Which additional assessment should the nurse make?
- A. Has the client experienced constipation recently?
- B. Did the client miss any doses of the medication?
- C. How long has the client been taking the medication?
- D. Does the client use any tobacco products?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Assessing how long the client has been taking clonidine is crucial as drowsiness is a common side effect that typically improves over time as the body adjusts to the medication. This information helps determine if the drowsiness is a temporary side effect or a more concerning issue.
Choice A (constipation) is not directly related to drowsiness as a side effect of clonidine. Choice B (missed doses) may contribute to drowsiness but is not the primary assessment priority. Choice D (tobacco use) is not directly related to clonidine-induced drowsiness.
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Family members have a need for information. Which intervention best assists in meeting this need?
- A. Handing family members a pamphlet that explains all of the critical care equipment
- B. Providing a daily update of the patient’s progress and f acilitating communication with the intensivist
- C. Telling them that you are not permitted to give them a status report but that they can be present at 4:00 PM for family rounds with the intensivist
- D. Writing down a list of all new medications and doses a nd giving the list to family members during visitation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because providing a daily update of the patient's progress and facilitating communication with the intensivist directly addresses the family members' need for information in a timely and personalized manner. This intervention ensures that the family is kept informed about the patient's condition and treatment plan, fostering transparency and trust. It also allows for any questions or concerns to be addressed promptly, aiding in the family's understanding and involvement in the patient's care.
Now, let's summarize why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Handing out a pamphlet may provide information, but it lacks the personalized touch and real-time updates that are crucial for meeting the family's need for information.
C: Restricting information and only allowing family members to be present at specific times may create frustration and hinder communication, not effectively meeting their information needs.
D: Providing a list of medications is helpful, but it does not offer a comprehensive update on the patient's progress or facilitate direct communication with the medical team, which are
The nurse cites evidence-based practice as a rationale for a patient care decision. What isthe best description of evidence-based practice?
- A. Decisions based on expert legal testimony
- B. Use of best available research data
- C. Evolution of nursing practice over time
- D. Individual optimization of patient outcomes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use of best available research data. Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to make informed decisions about patient care. It emphasizes using scientifically proven data to guide practice and improve patient outcomes. Expert legal testimony (A) is not necessarily evidence-based. Evolution of nursing practice over time (C) does not specifically focus on research data. Individual optimization of patient outcomes (D) is a goal of evidence-based practice, but it does not fully encompass the concept.
Which statement reflects adherence to current recommendations concerning open visitation policies?
- A. Allowing animals on the unit; however, these can only be “therapy” animals through the hospital’s pet therapy program.
- B. Allowing family visitation throughout the day except a t change of shift and during rounds.
- C. Determining, in collaboration with the patient and famaiblyirb, .cwomho/te csta n visit and when.
- D. Permitting open visitation by adults 18 years of age and older; limit visits of children to 1 hour.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it reflects patient-centered care by involving patients and families in decision-making. Collaborating with them on visitation preferences promotes a supportive environment. Choice A restricts animal visitation, not addressing human visitors. Choice B limits visitation during specific times, not individualized. Choice D imposes restrictions based on age, not on patient/family preferences. Therefore, Choice C is the most aligned with current recommendations for open visitation policies.
A nurse is caring for an elderly man recently admitted to the ICU following a stroke. She assesses his cognitive function using a new cognitive assessment test she learned about in a recent article in a nursing journal. She then brings a cup of water and a straw to the patient because she observes that his lips are dry. Later, she has the patient sit in a wheelchair and takes him to have some blood tests performed. He objects at first, saying that he can walk on his own, but the nurse explains that it is hospital policy to use the wheelchair. That evening, she recognizes signs of an imminent stroke in the patient and immediately pages the physician. Which action taken by the nurse is the best example of evidence-based practice?
- A. Giving the patient a cup of water
- B. Transferring the patient in a wheelchair
- C. Recognizing signs of imminent stroke and paging the physician
- D. Using the cognitive assessment test
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Recognizing signs of an imminent stroke and paging the physician. This action exemplifies evidence-based practice as it involves timely identification of a critical medical condition based on clinical assessment and prompt communication with the physician for further intervention. This aligns with the principles of evidence-based practice, which emphasize the integration of best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.
The other choices are incorrect:
A: Giving the patient a cup of water - While providing hydration is important for patient care, it does not demonstrate evidence-based practice in this scenario.
B: Transferring the patient in a wheelchair - Although using a wheelchair may be hospital policy, it does not directly relate to evidence-based practice in this context.
D: Using the cognitive assessment test - While assessing cognitive function is essential, it does not directly address the immediate medical needs of the patient as recognizing signs of an imminent stroke does.
The patient has a temporary percutaneous catheter in place for treatment of acute kidney injury. The catheter has been in place for 5 days. The nurse should
- A. prepare to assist with a routine dialysis catheter change.
- B. evaluate the patient for signs and symptoms of infection.
- C. teach the patient that the catheter is designed for long-term use.
- D. use one of the three lumens for fluid administration.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because after 5 days, the risk of infection increases. Evaluating the patient for signs and symptoms of infection is crucial for early detection and treatment. Choice A is incorrect because routine dialysis catheter changes are not necessary after only 5 days. Choice C is incorrect as percutaneous catheters are for short-term use. Choice D is incorrect as using the catheter for fluid administration may increase the risk of infection.