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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing the vial with the remainder of the medication into a locked drawer is not appropriate because it does not ensure proper documentation and accountability for the remaining medication. Controlled substances require strict documentation and disposal procedures.
Choice B rationale
Withdrawing the medication into a syringe and labeling it with the client’s name is not necessary and can lead to errors or contamination. The medication should not be stored for future use in this manner.
Choice C rationale
Asking another nurse to witness the medication being discarded is the correct action. This ensures proper documentation, accountability, and compliance with regulations for the disposal of unused or remaining medications, especially controlled substances.
Choice D rationale
Throwing the vial into the trash in the presence of another nurse is not appropriate. It does not ensure proper documentation, accountability, or safe disposal of the remaining medication. Controlled substances require specific disposal procedures to prevent misuse or diversion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lubricating the thermometer before inserting it into the ear is not a standard practice for using a tympanic thermometer. Tympanic thermometers are designed to be used without lubrication, and using lubrication could interfere with the accuracy of the reading.
Choice B rationale
Holding the thermometer in place for a full three minutes is unnecessary for tympanic thermometers. These thermometers provide quick readings, usually within a few seconds, and holding it for longer does not improve accuracy.
Choice C rationale
Pulling the client’s auricle down and back is the correct technique for infants and young children. For adults, the correct technique is to pull the auricle up and back to straighten the ear canal for an accurate reading.
Choice D rationale
Using positive reinforcement to affirm that the procedure is being performed correctly is the appropriate action. The UAP is using the correct technique by pulling the client’s auricle up and back, which is the proper method for adults.