Author Question: A clinic nurse is examining an older, confused patient on an examination table and realizes a piece ... (Read 28 times)

pane00 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A clinic nurse is examining an older, confused patient on an examination table and realizes a piece of needed equipment was left outside in the hall. What action by the nurse is best?

a. Tell the patient to lie still and go get the equipment.
b. Call for another staff member to bring the equipment.
c. Have the patient get into a chair and get the equipment.
d. Finish the rest of the exam, get the equipment, and use it.

Question 2

The nurse is assessing a patient's alcohol intake. What question is most appropriate?

a. Do you drink alcohol at all?
b. You don't drink much do you?
c. When was your last drink?
d. How much alcohol do you drink daily?

trog · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
For patient safety, some patients should never be left alone on an examination table: infants; small children; older adults who are confused, combative, or uncooperative, and people who are physically or chemically restrained. The nurse calls for another staff member to get the missing equipment. Getting up and down off the table is inconvenient and may be difficult. Finishing the exam and then retrieving the piece of equipment also involves the patient changing locations and is inconvenient for the patient.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The nurse needs to be non-judgmental when inquiring about topics that might be sensitive, such as alcohol or drug use. The nurse asks a neutral, objective question such as How much alcohol do you drink daily? that allows the patient to quantify the intake. Avoid yes/no questions because they are closed ended and do not lead to further discussion or disclosure. Avoid a negatively charged question such as, You don't drink much, do you?; this demonstrates the nurse's displeasure with drinking. Asking when the last drink was is not as important in a general survey as quantifying the amount of intake.