Author Question: During a session with a client who seems bewildered by his predicament, the nurse is conflicted ... (Read 35 times)

tfester · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

During a session with a client who seems bewildered by his predicament, the nurse is conflicted
about whether to provide advice. The rule of thumb that should be followed is that giving advice to a
client

a. is rarely helpful.
b. fosters independence.
c. lifts the burden of personal decision making.
d. helps the client develop feelings of personal adequacy.

Question 2

A widow, aged 72 years, lives alone and is visited weekly by her son. She takes digoxin,
hydrochlorothiazide, and an antihypertensive drug. She also has a prescription for diazepam
(Valium) as needed for moderate to severe anxiety.

When the son visited today he found his mother
confused. Her speech was thick and slurred and she had an unsteady gait. She was taken to the
emergency department, and hospital admission followed. The nurse assessed the client as having
several cognitive problems, including memory and attention deficits and fluctuating levels of
orientation. The nurse confirms that the client's symptoms developed over a 2-day period. The
client's symptoms are most characteristic of
a. delirium.
b. dementia.
c. amnestic syndrome.
d. Alzheimer's disease.

Qarqy · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Giving advice fosters dependence on the nurse and interferes with the client's right to make personal
decisions. It robs clients of the opportunity to weigh alternatives and develop problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, it contributes to client feelings of personal inadequacy. It also keeps the nurse in
control and feeling powerful.

Answer to Question 2

A
Delirium is characterized by an abrupt onset of fluctuating levels of awareness, clouded
consciousness, perceptual disturbances, and disturbed memory and orientation. Options B and D:
The onset of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, a type of dementia, is more insidious. Option C:
Amnestic syndrome involves memory impairment without other cognitive problems.