A community health nurse is developing a plan of care for an older adult client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus and lives independently in a rural area.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

The statement, "I can expect my eyelids to be bruised after this procedure," indicates an understanding of the common side effects of cataract removal surgery. Bruising around the eyes is a common occurrence due to the manipulation of tissues during the procedure.

Choice B rationale:

The statement, "I will see dark spots in my vision after this procedure," is incorrect. Dark spots in vision are not a normal or expected outcome of cataract removal surgery. This statement shows a misunderstanding of the procedure.

Choice C rationale:

The statement, "I will receive general anesthesia for this procedure," is incorrect. While anesthesia is administered during the procedure, specifying the type of anesthesia is not crucial for the client's understanding of the surgery itself. The focus should be on the procedure details rather than the type of anesthesia.

Choice D rationale:

The statement, "I know the provider will replace the lens in my eyes during this procedure," indicates a clear understanding of the cataract removal procedure. The main goal of cataract surgery is to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens, improving the patient's vision. This statement demonstrates the client's comprehension of the surgery process.

Choice A rationale:

Documenting the client's vital signs obtained by an assistive personnel is correct. Documenting vital signs is fundamental and immediate requirement when admitting a client to ensure their current health status is accurately captured and can be monitored effectively.

Choice B rationale:

Charting a summary of the data at the change of the shift is incorrect. While it's essential to provide an update at shift change, this option suggests summarizing the data, which might not include all necessary details. Comprehensive documentation is crucial for continuity of care and accurate communication among healthcare providers. Documenting specific vital signs, assessments, interventions, and the client's response to those interventions is necessary for effective patient care.

Choice C rationale:

Noting whether the client has a living will is incorrect. While it's essential to be aware of a client's advanced directives, this information is typically gathered during the admission process or during routine assessments. It is not the immediate action to be taken upon admission. Vital signs and other immediate clinical data take precedence during the initial documentation process.

Choice D rationale:

Beginning charting with an evaluation of the data is incorrect. It is important to document objective data, such as vital signs, observations, and assessments, before making any evaluations or interpretations. Objective data provide the basis for clinical decisions and interventions. Starting with evaluations might lead to biased documentation, potentially overlooking important clinical findings.