A nurse in a long-term care facility is assisting in planning care for a group of clients. For which of the following clients can the nurse safely gait belt?
A client who is displaying aggression
A client who has had chest trauma.
A client who has limited arm strength.
A client who has a thoracic incision.
The Correct Answer is C
A. A client who is displaying aggression: Using a gait belt on an aggressive client is unsafe because sudden movements or resistance could lead to injury for both the client and the caregiver. Aggressive behavior requires de-escalation strategies before considering physical assistance or mobility interventions like a gait belt.
B. A client who has had chest trauma: Gait belts should be avoided in clients with chest trauma because the pressure applied around the torso can exacerbate injuries such as rib fractures, pulmonary contusions, or other thoracic complications, posing significant health risks during mobilization.
C. A client who has limited arm strength: A gait belt is appropriate for clients with limited arm strength because it provides secure support around the waist without requiring the client to rely heavily on their upper limbs. It allows for safer ambulation and transfer by offering the caregiver a firm point of control.
D. A client who has a thoracic incision: Applying a gait belt over or near a thoracic incision can interfere with wound healing, cause pain, and increase the risk of wound dehiscence. Alternative methods for assisting mobility should be used for clients with fresh surgical sites in the thoracic region.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","G","H","I"]
Explanation
- Decreased respiratory effort, bilateral crackles: Reduced respiratory effort following opioid administration suggests opioid-induced respiratory depression. Crackles may indicate early airway compromise due to poor ventilation or fluid accumulation, requiring immediate intervention to support breathing.
- Somnolent: Somnolence beyond expected postoperative drowsiness, especially in combination with other signs of opioid overdose, indicates central nervous system depression. The client is difficult to arouse, raising concern for airway and breathing compromise.
- Pinpoint pupils: Pinpoint pupils are a hallmark sign of opioid toxicity. In the setting of recent morphine administration and accompanying respiratory depression, this finding confirms that opioid overdose is likely occurring and must be treated promptly.
- Respiratory rate 10/min: A respiratory rate under 12 breaths per minute following opioid administration is a major red flag for opioid-induced respiratory depression. Immediate action is needed to prevent further decline in respiratory status, including potential use of naloxone.
- Blood pressure 98/58 mm Hg: The client’s blood pressure has dropped significantly compared to the earlier reading, suggesting opioid-related hypotension. While not yet critically low, the trend combined with other overdose signs indicates instability needing close monitoring and intervention.
- Heart rate 58/min: Although the client is bradycardic, this alone is not the most urgent issue compared to respiratory depression and neurological decline. It should still be monitored closely, but it is less immediately life-threatening than the airway and breathing concerns.
- Temperature 37.4° C (99.4° F): This temperature is within normal range and does not require follow-up. There are no indications of infection or thermoregulatory issues based on the current temperature.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
- Administer betamethasone: Betamethasone is administered to pregnant clients at risk of preterm delivery to promote fetal lung maturity. Given the client's gestational age of 31 weeks and signs of severe preeclampsia, administering corticosteroids is critical to prepare for potential early delivery.
- Monitor intake and output every hour: Severe preeclampsia can impair renal function, leading to decreased urine output and worsening fluid retention. Hourly monitoring of intake and output helps detect early signs of renal compromise and fluid overload, both of which require immediate intervention.
- Assist RN with performing a vaginal examination every 12 hr: Vaginal examinations are avoided in cases of severe preeclampsia unless absolutely necessary because they can stimulate uterine contractions or introduce infection. Therefore, routinely assisting every 12 hours with vaginal exams is not appropriate in this client's plan of care.
- Obtain a 24-hr urine specimen: A 24-hour urine collection assesses the degree of proteinuria and provides a clearer diagnostic picture of the severity of preeclampsia. Quantifying protein excretion helps guide clinical management and decisions about timing of delivery.
- Provide a low-stimulation environment: A calm, quiet environment minimizes the risk of seizure activity in clients with severe preeclampsia. Reducing auditory, visual, and environmental stimulation is a standard preventative measure to decrease neurological irritability.
- Give antihypertensive medication: Severe hypertension must be promptly treated to prevent complications like stroke, placental abruption, and progression to eclampsia. Administering antihypertensive therapy helps stabilize maternal blood pressure and protects both maternal and fetal health.
- Maintain bedrest: Bedrest helps reduce blood pressure and physical stress, promoting better perfusion to the placenta. Although strict bedrest is controversial long-term, short-term bedrest is often used in severe preeclampsia management while stabilization measures are implemented.
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