When assessing an ambulatory patient, the nurse observes that both arms swing freely in alternation with leg swings. Which of the following is being assessed?
Muscle strength
Gait
Alignment
Joint function
The Correct Answer is B
A) Muscle strength: While muscle strength can influence gait, it specifically refers to the ability of muscles to exert force against resistance. Assessing muscle strength involves different techniques, such as manual muscle testing, rather than observing arm and leg movements.
B) Gait: The observation that both arms swing freely in alternation with leg swings is a direct assessment of the patient's gait. A normal gait pattern includes coordinated movements of the arms and legs, indicating proper motor function and balance.
C) Alignment: This term refers to the positioning of the body and its parts in relation to one another. While alignment can impact gait, it is not specifically assessed by observing the movement of the arms and legs.
D) Joint function: Joint function assessment typically focuses on the range of motion, stability, and mobility of individual joints. Observing the swing of arms and legs provides insight into overall gait rather than specific joint function.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Interrupt with frequent questions: While older adults may have questions, they typically do not interrupt frequently. This behavior is more indicative of anxiety or agitation rather than a cognitive change associated with aging.
B) Answer slowly and be confused: While some older adults may exhibit slower responses, confusion is not a normal cognitive change associated with aging. Confusion may suggest underlying issues such as delirium or dementia, rather than typical age-related cognitive changes.
C) Withdraw from strangers: Social withdrawal can occur in some older adults, but it is not a universal expectation. Many older adults remain engaged and sociable, and withdrawal is more commonly associated with mental health issues rather than cognitive changes.
D) Take longer to respond and react: It is common for older adults to take longer to process information and respond due to normal cognitive slowing. This may reflect changes in processing speed rather than a decline in cognitive function, and it is an expected part of aging.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A) Impact on ADLs: Understanding how pain affects a client's activities of daily living (ADLs) is crucial for assessing the overall impact of the pain on their life. It provides insight into the functional limitations caused by the pain and helps guide treatment planning.
B) Family medical history: While family medical history can provide context for certain conditions, it is not an essential component of a focused pain assessment. The immediate concerns are more directly related to the client's current pain experience rather than their family's medical background.
C) Pain intensity rating: Assessing the intensity of pain is a fundamental aspect of pain assessment. Using scales (e.g., 0-10) allows the nurse to quantify the pain, monitor changes over time, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
D) Characteristics of the pain: Understanding the characteristics of the pain—such as its quality (sharp, dull, throbbing) and location—is essential for determining its cause and guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
E) Aggravating factors: Identifying what exacerbates the pain is critical for understanding its nature and developing effective management strategies. Knowing which activities or positions worsen the pain can help in creating a comprehensive care plan tailored to the client's needs.