Upon entering the room of an 82-year-old individual admitted with urosepsis, the practical nurse (PN) discovers the client attempting to climb over the raised side rails. The client, who was fully oriented during the shift report two hours prior, is now severely agitated, diaphoretic, and shouting at unseen individuals in the corner of the room. What is the priority intervention to prevent injury?
- Remain at the bedside to ensure immediate physical safety while calling out for a colleague to notify the charge nurse of the acute change.Cevap
- BSecure bilateral soft wrist restraints to the bed frame immediately to prevent a catastrophic fall from the bed.
- CDim the overhead lights and document the behavior as a typical manifestation of age-related nighttime disorientation.
- DPerform an independent comprehensive neurological assessment to determine the precise etiology of the altered mental status.
Cevap
The priority is to remain with the client to provide immediate physical safety and verbal de-escalation, while simultaneously delegating the task of notifying the RN for a comprehensive assessment of the acute change.
When a client experiences an acute change in mental status and is at immediate risk for a fall, the priority is to maintain continuous observation and physical presence. This ensures safety using the least restrictive method possible. Because this is an acute, sudden change indicating potential medical deterioration (delirium secondary to urosepsis), the RN must be notified immediately to conduct a comprehensive assessment.
Adım Adım Çözüm
Anahtar Kavram
Prioritizing least restrictive safety measures and recognizing acute delirium within the PN scope of practice.