A nurse is assessing a client to determine their fall risk. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse that the client is at risk for falls?
1+ pedal edema
Bruises on the lower extremities
Impaired vision
Coarse rhonchi auscultated over the trachea
The Correct Answer is C
A. 1+ pedal edema. Mild pedal edema is typically not associated with instability or falls, unless it progresses to severe swelling that affects mobility or balance. It is a sign of fluid retention but not a direct fall risk indicator on its own.
B. Bruises on the lower extremities. Bruising can be a sign of previous falls or trauma, but it is not itself a cause or indicator of fall risk. While it may prompt further investigation, it does not confirm fall risk independently.
C. Impaired vision. Visual impairment is a significant risk factor for falls because it affects depth perception, ability to detect hazards, and overall spatial awareness. Clients with impaired vision are more likely to trip, misjudge steps, or bump into obstacles.
D. Coarse rhonchi auscultated over the trachea. Coarse rhonchi are respiratory findings typically related to mucus in the airways and do not directly contribute to fall risk unless accompanied by severe respiratory distress or fatigue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Apply the largest cuff available. Using a cuff that is too large can result in falsely low readings. Cuff size should match the client’s arm circumference to ensure accuracy, but simply switching to the largest cuff does not resolve difficulty in auscultation.
B. Deflate the cuff quickly. Rapid deflation can cause the nurse to miss the systolic and diastolic sounds, making it harder to obtain an accurate reading. The cuff should be deflated at a steady rate of 2–3 mmHg per second.
C. Use the palpatory method to determine blood pressure. When sounds are difficult to auscultate, the palpatory method is a reliable alternative. This involves palpating the radial pulse while inflating the cuff to estimate systolic pressure, which helps guide a more accurate auscultatory attempt.
D. Place the arm above the level of the client's heart. Elevating the arm above heart level can lower the pressure artificially, resulting in an inaccurate measurement. For correct results, the arm should be supported at heart level.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Arrange for an ethics committee meeting to address the family's concerns. An ethics committee can provide guidance in situations where there is conflict between advance directives and family wishes. This supports ethical decision-making while honoring the client’s autonomy and legal rights.
B. Complete an incident report. An incident report is used for errors or unusual events, not ethical dilemmas or conflicts over advance directives. It is not appropriate in this scenario.
C. Support the family's decision and initiate life-sustaining measures. The nurse is legally and ethically bound to follow the client’s advance directives, not the family’s wishes, especially when the client’s decisions are documented and clear.
D. Encourage the family to contact an attorney. While families have legal rights, referring them directly to an attorney does not address the immediate ethical issue or facilitate collaborative resolution in the care setting.
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