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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Testing for a gag reflex before performing oral care is a standard practice to ensure the client’s safety and prevent aspiration. This action does not indicate a need for additional training.
Choice B rationale
Placing the client in a supine position is incorrect and indicates a need for additional training. The correct position for performing oral care on an unconscious client is a side-lying position to prevent aspiration and ensure secretions can drain from the mouth.
Choice C rationale
Suctioning secretions from the posterior pharynx is a necessary action to maintain airway patency and prevent aspiration. This action does not indicate a need for additional training.
Choice D rationale
Using an oral airway to keep the teeth apart is a standard practice to facilitate oral care and prevent the client from biting down on the caregiver’s fingers or equipment. This action does not indicate a need for additional training.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Determining the elasticity of the client’s skin turgor is not directly related to nasopharyngeal suctioning. Skin turgor assessment is typically used to evaluate hydration status and does not provide information about the respiratory status or the need for suctioning.
Choice B rationale
Auscultating the bowel sounds in all four quadrants is unrelated to nasopharyngeal suctioning. Bowel sounds assessment is important for gastrointestinal evaluation but does not help in assessing the respiratory status or the effectiveness of suctioning.
Choice C rationale
Palpating the client’s pedal pulse volume bilaterally is not relevant to nasopharyngeal suctioning. This assessment is used to evaluate peripheral circulation and does not provide information about the respiratory status or the need for suctioning.
Choice D rationale
Observing the client’s skin and mucous membranes is crucial during nasopharyngeal suctioning. This assessment helps determine the client’s oxygenation status and the presence of cyanosis, which can indicate hypoxia. It also helps in identifying any trauma or irritation caused by the suctioning procedure.