When working with a patient suspected of substance abuse, the nurse is particularly interested in determining the cause of a patient's
a. acute abdominal pain.
b. recurring insomnia.
c. extensive history of falls.
d. chlordiazepoxide (Librium) prescription.
C
Frequently, the symptoms of substance abuse are subtle or atypical, or they mimic symptoms of other age-related illnesses and remain undiagnosed. Patients' presenting symptoms may be erratic changes in affect, mood, or behavior; malnutrition; bladder and bowel incontinence; gait disturbances; and recurring falls, burns, and head trauma. Acute abdominal pain, insomnia, and prescriptions for Librium may or may not be related to substance abuse, but falling is.
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When documenting in the client's computerized medical record, which of the following actions by the nurse might result in a breach of client confidentiality?
1. The nurse uses a password to access the client's record. 2. The nurse is chatting with a co-worker while the medication record is on the screen. 3. The nurse turns the monitor so that it is not visible from the hallway. 4. The nurse closes the client's record and signs off the computer when done.
A nurse working on a psychiatric unit is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). Upon assessment of the client, which clinical manifestations does the nurse anticipate?
A) Depressed mood or loss of interest occasionally for at least 1 week B) A depressed mood sporadically for at least 2 years C) Restlessness, fatigue, suicidal ideation, feelings of guilt D) Anxiety, change in appetite, grief, altered nutrition
What should the nurse instruct an older patient to do to cope with age-associated cognitive changes? Standard Text: Select all that apply
1. Read daily. 2. Write "notes to self." 3. Play computer games. 4. Learn memory enhancement techniques. 5. Expect others to call attention to any gaffes.
While examining a patient's peripheral intravenous (IV) site, the nurse observes a red streak along the length of the vein. On palpation, the vein feels hard and cordlike. What is the nurse's best action?
a. Check for a blood return and notify the prescriber. b. Discontinue the infusion and remove the IV needle. c. Apply ice packs to the vein and continue the infusion. d. Change the IV fluid to normal saline and redress the site.