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
Using everyday language when explaining issues is the most important action. This ensures that the information is easily understood by older adult clients. Complex medical terms and terminology may be confusing or overwhelming for them, so using plain language enhances comprehension and promotes effective learning.
Choice B rationale
Providing a very well-lit meeting space is important for facilitating communication, especially for older adults who may have visual impairments. However, it is not as crucial as using understandable language.
Choice C rationale
Speaking loudly and facing the client is important for ensuring the client can hear and understand the information. However, speaking loudly may be perceived as patronizing or disrespectful. Many older adults may have normal hearing but prefer clear and normal volume speech.
Choice D rationale
Underlining key words on the written information can be a helpful strategy for emphasizing important points, but it is not as critical as using everyday language when explaining concepts orally. Additionally, not all older adults may benefit from written information, as some may have visual impairments or difficulties reading.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Identifying effective pain relief measures is important, but it does not directly assess the quality of the pain. This approach focuses on management rather than understanding the pain’s characteristics.
Choice B rationale
Asking the client to describe the pain is the most direct way to assess its quality. This allows the nurse to gather detailed information about the pain’s nature, intensity, and characteristics, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Choice C rationale
Providing a numeric pain scale helps quantify the pain’s intensity but does not provide qualitative details about the pain’s nature. It is useful for monitoring pain levels over time but not for initial assessment.
Choice D rationale
Observing body language and movement can give clues about pain but is subjective and less reliable than directly asking the client. It should be used as a supplementary method rather than the primary approach.