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
Inserting a rectal tube at specified intervals is not a standard practice for bowel training regimens. This intervention is typically reserved for specific medical conditions and is not recommended for routine management of chronic fecal incontinence.
Choice B rationale
Assisting the client to a bedside commode 30 minutes after meals leverages the natural gastrocolic reflex, which stimulates bowel movements after eating. This intervention helps establish a regular bowel routine and is a key component of bowel retraining programs.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the use of incontinence briefs does not address the underlying issue of bowel incontinence and may not help in establishing a regular bowel routine. This intervention is more focused on managing the symptoms rather than treating the condition.
Choice D rationale
Administering a glycerin suppository 15 minutes after meals can stimulate bowel movements, but it is not the first-line intervention for establishing a bowel training regimen. This approach may be used as an adjunct to other bowel retraining techniques.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering PRN oral pain medication without further assessment may not be appropriate, as the client’s pain needs must be fully evaluated before intervening with medication. Pain medication should be administered based on an accurate assessment rather than solely on nonverbal cues.
Choice B rationale
Reviewing the pain medications prescribed is important, particularly if the client is exhibiting signs of uncontrolled pain. However, this intervention should be secondary to further assessment of the client’s current pain status.
Choice C rationale
Administering PRN oral pain medication without further assessment may not be appropriate, as the client’s pain needs must be fully evaluated before intervening with medication. Pain medication should be administered based on an accurate assessment rather than solely on nonverbal cues.
Choice D rationale
Asking the client what is causing the grimacing is the correct intervention to implement first. Nonverbal cues, such as grimacing, can indicate the presence of pain, even if the client denies it verbally. By closely monitoring the client’s nonverbal behavior, the nurse can gather additional information about the client’s pain experience and make appropriate interventions based on a comprehensive assessment.