An older adult client with a history of major depressive disorder is receiving intravenous antibiotics for severe pneumonia on a medical-surgical unit. During the night shift, the client suddenly becomes extremely restless, repeatedly attempts to climb over the bed rails, and yells, "You are all trying to poison me!" Which action should the practical nurse (PN) take first?
- Remain at the bedside and ask an assistive personnel to immediately notify the registered nurse (RN).Cevap
- BApply bilateral soft wrist restraints to prevent the client from removing the intravenous line.
- CAttempt to logically reason with the client by explaining that the intravenous fluid is only medication.
- DDocument the behavioral changes as an expected progression of age-related cognitive decline.
Cevap
Remain at the bedside and ask an assistive personnel to immediately notify the registered nurse (RN).
The correct answer prioritizes the immediate physical safety of the client while adhering to the practical nurse scope of practice. The sudden onset of paranoia and agitation in an older adult with pneumonia strongly suggests acute delirium, likely due to hypoxia or the systemic infection itself. Because the client is attempting to climb out of bed, they are at an imminent risk for falls. The PN must not leave the client alone; staying at the bedside provides immediate safety through a least-restrictive intervention. Simultaneously, instructing an assistive personnel to notify the RN ensures that the acute medical change is promptly assessed and managed by the appropriate provider.
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Anahtar Kavram
Prioritizing client safety and recognizing acute delirium in older adults