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
Reporting any change in urine color is not a priority intervention for a terminally ill client who is weak, mouth breathing, and refusing anything to eat or drink. The focus should be on comfort measures.
Choice B rationale
Keeping mucous membranes moist is essential for comfort in terminally ill clients who are mouth breathing and refusing fluids. This can be achieved by offering ice chips, sips of water, or using a moist cloth.
Choice C rationale
Recording the client’s daily weight is not a priority in this situation as the client is terminally ill and the focus should be on comfort rather than monitoring weight.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining the client in high Fowler’s position is not necessary unless it helps with breathing. The priority is to keep the client comfortable.
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.