The nurse assesses an older adult client’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). When observing the client ambulate, the nurse notes that the client’s posture is upright, and the gait is smooth and steady. Which action should the nurse take next?
Determine the client’s activity tolerance.
Teach the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls.
Initiate a fall risk protocol for the client.
Record the client’s ability to perform ADLs safely.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Determining the client’s activity tolerance is important but should follow the initial assessment of the client’s ability to perform ADLs safely.
Choice B rationale
Teaching the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls is not necessary if the client’s gait is smooth and steady. This intervention is more appropriate for clients with gait instability.
Choice C rationale
Initiating a fall risk protocol for the client is not necessary if the client’s gait is smooth and steady. This protocol is more appropriate for clients with a higher risk of falls.
Choice D rationale
Recording the client’s ability to perform ADLs safely is the next appropriate action. This documentation is essential for the care plan and ensures that the client’s current status is accurately reflected.
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Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Decreased muscle tone, relaxed jaw muscles, and a sagging mouth are common signs that indicate a client is near death. These changes occur as the body begins to shut down and muscle control diminishes.
Choice B rationale
Clear yellow urine output is not typically associated with the end-of-life stage. As death approaches, urine output usually decreases and may become darker in color.
Choice C rationale
Altered breathing patterns, such as apnea, labored or irregular breathing, and Cheyne-Stokes respiration, are common signs that a client is nearing death. These changes in breathing patterns are due to the body’s decreasing ability to regulate respiratory function.
Choice D rationale
Congestion and increased pulmonary secretions, often referred to as the “death rattle,” are common signs that a client is near death. These noisy respirations occur as the body’s ability to clear secretions diminishes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Verifying the placement of the pulse oximeter is the first step to ensure accurate readings. Incorrect placement can lead to false low oxygen saturation readings.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the oxygen to 3 L/minute may be necessary if the oxygen saturation remains low after verifying the pulse oximeter placement. However, it is not the immediate first step.
Choice C rationale
Removing the nasal cannula is not appropriate as it would further decrease the oxygen supply to the patient.
Choice D rationale
Switching to a non-rebreather mask is not the immediate action to take. Non-rebreather masks deliver a high concentration of oxygen, typically reserved for severe hypoxia.