An adult child brings his father to the emergency department and describes the sudden onset of a panic attack and aggressiveness. After ruling out an infectious process, what action by the nurse is best?
a. Assess the patient for mental illness.
b. Perform a mini-mental state exam on the patient.
c. Ask about risk factors for delirium.
d. Assess the patient for illicit drug use.
ANS: D
Abuse of illicit drugs can cause many symptoms, including panic attacks and aggressive behavior. After assessing for an infectious process, the nurse should determine if the patient has used any recreational drugs. The other assessments are not as important and can be completed later.
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A client states, "I'm sure that I am suffering from PMS. How can I get my doctor to take this seriously?" The nurse's best response is:
a. "You are probably right. You should remind your doctor of your symptoms every time you visit." b. "Since you feel certain you are right, you should just treat yourself with over-the-counter medications." c. "Men are not usually sympathetic to PMS sufferers." d. "You should keep a daily record of the occurrence and severity of your symptoms for 3 months."
The nurse is planning a class for nursing assistants. Which should be included as causing interference with accurate pulse oximeter readings? Select all that apply
1. Ambient light 2. Nail polish 3. Inhalation injuries 4. Arterial pulses 5. Placement on cartilage
Which study is an example of a study using a descriptive design?
a. Nursing students are tested before and after learning a skill. b. Individuals with depression are compared to individuals without depression. c. The effects of a new vaccine are tested on half the subjects, and the other half get saline injections. d. A group of siblings is studied to identify the effects of having a family member diagnosed with schizophrenia.
A client is severely injured, sustaining a full-thickness circumferential burn to the left leg, after passing out as a result of drinking alcohol and falling into a fire while on a camping trip. In report, the nurse is told that the client has just signed consent for amputation of the limb and that the procedure is scheduled for tomorrow. While caring for the client, the nurse notes that the client is upset and withdrawn. What is the most appropriate nursing action at this time?
A. Reflecting back to the client that he appears upset B. Letting the client have some time alone to grieve the impending loss of the limb C. Reminding the client that the injury was a result of alcohol abuse and referring him for counseling D. Informing the health care provider of the client's depression and requesting medication to assist the client in coping with the diagnosis