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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Removing dentures or other oral appliances may help prevent airway obstruction but is not the most critical intervention for a client with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Choice B rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle can help improve airway patency but is not as effective as applying the positive airway pressure device.
Choice C rationale
Applying the client’s positive airway pressure device (CPAP or BiPAP) is the most important intervention to maintain airway patency and prevent respiratory compromise in a client with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Choice D rationale
Putting and locking the side rails in place is important for safety but does not directly address the airway management needs of a client with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Advising the UAP to hold the thermometer securely in place for a full three minutes is unnecessary and may cause discomfort to the client. Tympanic thermometers typically provide rapid temperature readings within a few seconds.
Choice B rationale
Positive reinforcement is important for encouraging and motivating staff, it should be used appropriately. In this case, the UAP is performing the procedure correctly.
Choice C rationale
Demonstrating the correct technique for pulling the client’s auricle down and back is incorrect because the UAP is using the correct technique. For adults, the auricle should be pulled up and back.
Choice D rationale
Reminding the UAP to lubricate the thermometer before gently inserting it in the ear is not necessary for tympanic thermometers. The primary issue in this scenario is the incorrect technique for positioning the client’s auricle, so reminding about lubrication is not the most relevant intervention.