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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering PRN oral pain medication without further assessment may not be appropriate. The nurse needs to understand the cause of the grimacing before intervening with medication.
Choice B rationale
Asking the client what is causing the grimacing is the first step. This allows the nurse to gather more information and understand the client’s experience, which is essential for appropriate intervention.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring the client’s nonverbal behavior is important but should follow the initial assessment. Understanding the cause of the grimacing takes priority.
Choice D rationale
Reviewing the pain medications prescribed is a necessary step but should come after assessing the client’s current pain status and understanding the cause of the grimacing.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and calling a code would be inappropriate in this situation because the client has a signed do not resuscitate (DNR) form. A DNR order is a legal document that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if the client’s heart stops or if they stop breathing. Performing CPR would go against the client’s wishes and legal rights.
Choice B rationale
Asking the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to complete postmortem care is not the immediate next step. While postmortem care is necessary, the nurse must first report the client’s status to the healthcare provider to ensure proper documentation and follow-up actions.
Choice C rationale
Reporting the client’s status to the healthcare provider is the correct action. This ensures that the healthcare provider is aware of the client’s condition and can provide further instructions or documentation as needed. It is essential to follow the proper chain of command and legal protocols in such situations.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the family of the client’s death is important, but it is not the immediate next step. The nurse should first report the client’s status to the healthcare provider to ensure that all necessary medical and legal documentation is completed before contacting the family.