When reviewing the medical record of a client with dementia, what should the nurse prioritize addressing?
- A. Mild confusion in the morning
- B. Restlessness and agitation
- C. Incontinence
- D. Frequent wandering at night
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When caring for clients with dementia, addressing restlessness and agitation is a priority as it can lead to distress, safety risks, and potential harm to the client or others. Restlessness and agitation are common behavioral symptoms of dementia and can indicate unmet needs, discomfort, or confusion. Managing these symptoms promptly can help improve the client's quality of life and prevent complications such as falls, injuries, or escalation of challenging behaviors. While other issues like mild confusion, incontinence, and wandering are also important to address, managing restlessness and agitation takes precedence due to its immediate impact on the client's well-being and safety.
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What should a healthcare professional assess in a patient presenting with symptoms of a stroke?
- A. Assess facial drooping
- B. Monitor speech difficulties
- C. Evaluate arm weakness
- D. Check for time of onset of symptoms
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When assessing a patient with suspected stroke symptoms, it is crucial to check for facial drooping as it can be a sign of facial nerve weakness, which is a common indicator of stroke. While monitoring speech difficulties and evaluating arm weakness are also important assessments in stroke cases, they are secondary to facial drooping. Checking for the time of onset of symptoms is essential to determine eligibility for time-sensitive treatments like thrombolytic therapy, but when prioritizing assessments, facial drooping takes precedence.
What is the initial step a nurse should take when irrigating a wound?
- A. Wear sterile gloves while removing the old dressing
- B. Cleanse the wound from the center outward
- C. Apply a warm compress to the wound
- D. Use a 20 mL syringe to irrigate the wound
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct first action when irrigating a wound is to cleanse the wound from the center outward. This method helps remove debris and pathogens effectively, reducing the risk of infection. Choice A is incorrect because wearing sterile gloves should be done before starting the wound irrigation but is not the first action in the process. Choice C is incorrect as applying a warm compress is not the initial step in wound irrigation. Choice D is also incorrect as using a syringe to irrigate the wound comes after cleansing the wound.
A client diagnosed with dementia wanders the halls of the locked nursing unit during the day. To ensure the client's safety while walking in the halls, the nurse should do which of the following?
- A. Administer PRN haloperidol (Haldol) to decrease the need to walk
- B. Assess the client's gait for steadiness
- C. Restrain the client in a geriatric chair
- D. Administer PRN lorazepam (Ativan) to provide sedation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the client's gait for steadiness is the most appropriate action to ensure the safety of a client with dementia while walking. This allows the nurse to identify any issues that may increase the risk of falls or accidents. Administering PRN haloperidol or lorazepam is not indicated as the first-line approach in managing wandering behavior and can have adverse effects like increased risk of falls, confusion, or oversedation. Restraint use should be avoided whenever possible, as it can lead to physical and psychological harm to the client.
What are the key signs of respiratory distress?
- A. Increased respiratory rate and use of accessory muscles
- B. Decreased respiratory rate and cyanosis
- C. Cyanosis and use of accessory muscles
- D. Altered mental status and bradycardia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased respiratory rate and use of accessory muscles are key signs of respiratory distress. When a person is experiencing respiratory distress, their respiratory rate typically increases as the body tries to compensate for the inadequate oxygenation. Additionally, the use of accessory muscles indicates that the person is working harder to breathe. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately represent the key signs of respiratory distress. A decreased respiratory rate, cyanosis, altered mental status, and bradycardia are not typical signs of respiratory distress.
Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a client with left-leg weakness who is learning to use a cane?
- A. Maintain two points of support on the floor at all times
- B. Use the cane on the weak side of the body
- C. Advance the cane and the strong leg simultaneously
- D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm (12-18 in) with each step
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for a client with left-leg weakness learning to use a cane is to maintain two points of support on the floor at all times. This ensures stability and helps distribute weight evenly between the legs, reducing the risk of falls. Using the cane on the weak side of the body (Choice B) may not provide adequate support. Advancing the cane and the strong leg simultaneously (Choice C) can lead to imbalance and increases the risk of falls. Advancing the cane too far with each step (Choice D) can also compromise balance and stability.