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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This outcome statement focuses on the client’s ability to perform a specific task related to ostomy care. While it’s important for clients with a colostomy to learn how to change their ostomy bag, in the context of this scenario, where the client has developed hyperglycemia requiring insulin injections, the priority lies in managing their diabetes and adhering to the medication regimen. Therefore, while ostomy care is important, it may not be the most immediate concern.
Choice B rationale
This outcome statement indicates the client’s attempt to self-administer insulin but inability to perform the injection. While it’s important for clients to be able to self-administer insulin, the emphasis in this scenario should be on ensuring that the client adheres to the medication regimen, rather than focusing solely on their ability to self-administer insulin immediately after discharge. Therefore, while self-administration of insulin is relevant, it may not be the most immediate priority in the postoperative plan of care.
Choice C rationale
This outcome statement focuses on monitoring the client’s respiratory status by auscultating breath sounds at regular intervals. While respiratory assessment is important, especially postoperatively, it may not directly address the client’s primary health concern in this scenario, which is managing hyperglycemia and insulin administration.
Choice D rationale
This outcome statement directly addresses the client’s need to manage their hyperglycemia by adhering to the prescribed insulin regimen. Given that the client has developed hyperglycemia requiring insulin injections, ensuring medication adherence is crucial for controlling blood sugar levels and preventing complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes. This choice aligns with the client’s health needs and goals following the surgical procedure and the development of hyperglycemia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Recording a palpable systolic pressure of 90 mm Hg without further action would likely underestimate the true systolic pressure. The nurse should inflate the cuff to a higher pressure to obtain an accurate measurement.
Choice B rationale
Releasing the manometer valve immediately would lead to deflating the cuff and potentially missing the opportunity to obtain an accurate blood pressure measurement.
Choice C rationale
Documenting the absence of the radial pulse is important, but it is also crucial to ensure that blood pressure measurements are obtained correctly. Further action is needed to obtain an accurate measurement.
Choice D rationale
Inflating the blood pressure cuff to 120 mm Hg is the correct action. When the radial pulse becomes unpalpable during cuff inflation, the cuff should be inflated to a higher pressure (usually 20-30 mm Hg above the point where the radial pulse disappears) and then slowly deflated while palpating for the return of the radial pulse.