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?
Initiate a fall risk protocol for the client.
Record the client’s ability to perform ADLs safely.
Determine the client’s activity tolerance.
Teach the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Initiating a fall risk protocol is not necessary when the client demonstrates an upright posture and a smooth, steady gait. Fall risk protocols are typically initiated when there are signs of instability or a history of falls.
Choice B rationale
Recording the client’s ability to perform ADLs safely is the appropriate action. This documentation provides a baseline for the client’s functional status and helps in planning further care. It also ensures that the client’s current abilities are noted for future reference.
Choice C rationale
Determining the client’s activity tolerance is important but not the immediate next step after observing a smooth and steady gait. This assessment can be done later to evaluate the client’s endurance and capacity for physical activities.
Choice D rationale
Teaching the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls is unnecessary when the client’s gait is already smooth and steady. This advice is more relevant for clients who show signs of instability or a tendency to fall.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Inspecting crutches to ensure rubber tips are intact is important for safety, but it does not indicate an understanding of the proper crutch walking technique. Proper crutch walking involves using the crutches correctly to avoid injury and ensure mobility.
Choice B rationale
Practicing bicep and triceps isometric exercises can help strengthen the muscles needed for crutch walking, but it does not demonstrate an understanding of the actual crutch walking technique. The focus should be on how the crutches are used during walking.
Choice C rationale
Progressing to foot touchdown and weight-bearing of the affected leg is a part of the rehabilitation process, but it does not specifically indicate proper crutch walking technique. Proper crutch walking involves the correct use of crutches to support the body weight.
Choice D rationale
Bearing body weight on the palms of hands during the crutch gait is the correct technique for three-point gait crutch walking. This method ensures that the weight is distributed properly and reduces the risk of injury to the underarms and shoulders.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Eschar and slough are indicative of necrotic tissue and are not signs of proper healing. Eschar is a dry, dark scab or falling away of dead skin, typically caused by a burn, or by the bite of a mite or other insect. Slough is a layer or mass of dead tissue separated from surrounding living tissue, as in a wound, sore, or inflammation. Both eschar and slough need to be removed for proper wound healing to occur.
Choice B rationale
Erythema and serosanguineous exudate can be present in the early stages of wound healing, but one week post-surgery, these signs may indicate inflammation or infection rather than proper healing. Erythema is redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow to the capillaries, often a sign of infection or irritation. Serosanguineous exudate is a thin, watery fluid that is slightly pink due to the presence of small amounts of blood, which can be normal immediately after surgery but should decrease over time.
Choice C rationale
A well-approximated incision site is a sign of proper healing. This means that the edges of the wound are close together and aligned, which promotes faster and more efficient healing. Proper approximation of the wound edges reduces the risk of infection and promotes the formation of a strong, healthy scar.
Choice D rationale
Beefy red granulation tissue is a sign of healing in open wounds, not in surgical incisions that are closed. Granulation tissue is new connective tissue and microscopic blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during the healing process. It is typically bright red or pink and indicates that the wound is healing from the inside out. However, in a surgical incision that is healing properly, the wound edges should be well approximated, and granulation tissue should not be visible.