A client presents to the clinic for a postoperative follow-up following surgical repair of a fractured radius.

The client reports their adult child prepares two meals a day for them to eat.

The client's weight is 55.9 kg (123 Ib) and height is 175 cm (69 in). What is the client's BMI?

Choice A rationale

Based on the client's statements, there is strong evidence of neglect and potential exploitation. Neglect is indicated by the inadequate food supply and minimal meal preparation. Financial exploitation is suggested by the client's lack of access to their retirement income, despite it being used for their care. This situation poses a serious risk to the client's well-being, triggering the nurse's ethical and legal duty to report suspected elder abuse to the appropriate authorities.

Choice B rationale

While gathering more information is often a good practice, directly questioning the adult child about financial matters could escalate the situation and potentially put the client at further risk. The primary responsibility of the nurse in this scenario is to ensure the client's safety, and the existing information is sufficient to warrant a report. The client has already provided a detailed account of the financial arrangement and their lack of access to funds, which is a key indicator of exploitation.

Choice C rationale

Educating the adult child about nutrition, while potentially helpful in some circumstances, does not address the immediate and serious issues of neglect and financial exploitation. The client's safety is the priority. Focusing solely on education ignores the broader pattern of abuse and the client's vulnerability, which requires a more direct and protective intervention.

Choice D rationale

Encouraging the client to speak with their adult child may place them in a more vulnerable position and could increase the risk of retaliation or further neglect. The client has already expressed an understanding of their adult child's frustration, and this approach fails to address the power imbalance and exploitative nature of the relationship. It is not an appropriate or safe intervention in a situation of suspected abuse. *.

Choice A rationale

Administering a suppository is considered a medication administration task, which requires a licensed nurse to perform. This task involves critical thinking and a solid understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, as well as the potential for adverse reactions. Therefore, this cannot be delegated to an assistive personnel (AP), whose scope of practice does not include medication administration.

Choice B rationale

Providing home care instructions is part of client education, which is a key responsibility of a licensed nurse. This task requires a thorough understanding of the client's condition, treatment plan, and the ability to assess their learning needs. An AP is not trained to assess, plan, or implement teaching plans for clients, so this task is outside their scope of practice.

Choice C rationale

Suctioning a newly inserted tracheostomy is a skilled and invasive procedure that carries a high risk of complications, such as hypoxemia, trauma, or infection. This procedure requires a nurse's professional judgment and a clear understanding of sterile technique. The AP's role is to provide basic care, not to perform such complex and high-risk procedures.

Choice D rationale

Performing rescue breathing, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), is an emergency procedure that falls within the scope of an AP's training. All healthcare workers, including APs, are required to have a basic life support certification. In a medical emergency, every staff member is expected to perform basic life-saving measures, such as rescue breathing, to prevent further client harm. *.