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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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Puts on new gloves when entering a client’s room. This action demonstrates an understanding of standard precautions, which are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from both recognized and unrecognized sources of infection. By putting on new gloves when entering a client’s room, the UAP is ensuring that they are not transferring any pathogens from one environment to another, thereby protecting both themselves and the client.
Choice B rationale
Uses sterile gloves when handling body fluids. While it is important to use gloves when handling body fluids, sterile gloves are not necessary unless performing a sterile procedure. Standard gloves are sufficient for most tasks involving body fluids, and the use of sterile gloves in these situations would be an unnecessary use of resources.
Choice C rationale
Keeps a pair of gloves in uniform pocket. This practice is not recommended as it can lead to contamination of the gloves. Gloves should be stored in a clean, dry place and should be taken from the box immediately before use. Keeping gloves in a pocket can expose them to contaminants, which can then be transferred to the client.
Choice D rationale
Dons sterile gloves when caring for clients with HIV. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, and standard gloves are sufficient for routine care of clients with HIV. Sterile gloves are only necessary for sterile procedures, regardless of the client’s HIV status.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Releasing the manometer valve immediately is not appropriate as it does not allow for an accurate measurement of systolic blood pressure.
Choice B rationale
Documenting the absence of the radial pulse is not the correct action. The nurse needs to continue the procedure to obtain an accurate systolic blood pressure reading.
Choice C rationale
Inflating the blood pressure cuff to 120 mm Hg is the correct action. The nurse should inflate the cuff 30 mm Hg above the point where the radial pulse is no longer palpable to ensure an accurate measurement.
Choice D rationale
Recording a palpable systolic pressure of 90 mm Hg is incorrect. The nurse needs to inflate the cuff further to obtain an accurate systolic blood pressure reading.