A nurse collects the health history of a 65-year-old client. Which of the following risk factors in the client's history puts the client at the highest risk for embolic stroke?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because standing directly in front of the client is not the priority action by the nurse when admitting a client who has a partial hearing loss. Standing directly in front of the client can enhance communication, but it is not as important as assessing the client's hearing status and needs.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because rephrasing statements the client does not hear is not the priority action by the nurse when admitting a client who has a partial hearing loss. Rephrasing statements can improve understanding, but it is not as essential as evaluating the client's hearing level and preferences.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because speaking using his usual tone of voice is not the priority action by the nurse when admitting a client who has a partial hearing loss. Speaking using his usual tone of voice may or may not be appropriate, depending on the client's hearing ability and comfort. The nurse should adjust his tone of voice based on the client's feedback and response.

Choice D Reason: This is the correct choice because determining if the client uses hearing aids is the priority action by the nurse when admitting a client who has a partial hearing loss. Hearing aids are devices that amplify sound and improve hearing for people with hearing loss. The nurse should determine if the client uses hearing aids, and if so, check their function, fit, and battery life. The nurse should also ask about any other assistive devices or strategies that the client uses to communicate effectively.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because a blister-like pustule on the face that oozes clear fluid may indicate impetigo, which is a bacterial skin infection, not basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from the basal layer of the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma lesions are usually not blistered or pustular, but rather smooth, shiny, or waxy.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because a dark brown lesion that is flat may indicate a mole, which is a benign growth of melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment, not basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma lesions are usually not dark brown or flat, but rather flesh-colored, pink, or red, and may have a raised or indented center.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because a small scaly, dry lesion on the elbow may indicate basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma lesions are often small, scaly, and dry, and may bleed or crust over. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are more common on areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms, or legs.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because location on the top of the head where exposed frequently to sunlight may indicate squamous cell carcinoma, which is another type of skin cancer that arises from the squamous layer of the epidermis, not basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma lesions are usually rough, scaly, or crusted, and may have a firm or hard texture. They can also occur anywhere on the body, but are more common on areas that are exposed to the sun.