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 ["A","B","C","D","E","F","G","H"]
Explanation
- Client reports feeling unwell: This is clinically significant when combined with fever, foul-smelling lochia, and elevated WBCs; it could indicate systemic infection such as endometritis.
- Fundus boggy but firms with massage: Indicates uterine atony, a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage. Even if it responds to massage, repeated bogginess suggests the need for uterotonic medications and close monitoring.
- Foul-smelling, dark brown lochia: These findings are highly suggestive of uterine infection (endometritis), especially when paired with uterine tenderness, fever, and elevated WBCs.
- WBC count 33,000/mm³: Severely elevated — well above normal postpartum leukocytosis (typically up to 20,000/mm³). A level of 33,000 strongly suggests an ongoing infectious process.
- Temperature 38.2°C (100.8°F): Slightly elevated, and while low-grade fever is common postpartum, when associated with uterine tenderness and abnormal lochia, it raises concern for infection and should be monitored and managed appropriately.
- Lung sounds diminished in the bases: Could be due to post-surgical hypoventilation, immobility, or atelectasis. Should prompt encouragement of deep breathing, incentive spirometry, and ambulation.
- No bowel movement since birth, hypoactive bowel sounds: This is a common post-cesarean finding due to anesthesia and immobility, but it still indicates delayed return of GI function and should be monitored for signs of ileus.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Request an interpreter of a different sex from the client. The interpreter's sex should be based on the client’s cultural preferences, not assumed by the nurse. This decision should be made to promote comfort and cultural sensitivity.
B. Request a family member or friend to interpret information for the client. This is not recommended, especially for medical discussions, as it may lead to misinterpretation, breaches of confidentiality, and biased communication.
C. Direct attention toward the interpreter when speaking to the client. The nurse should speak directly to the client, not the interpreter, to maintain a therapeutic relationship and respect for the client.
D. Review the facility policy about the use of an interpreter. This is the most appropriate initial action. Each facility typically has specific guidelines and procedures for accessing qualified medical interpreters, which the nurse should follow to ensure accurate and ethical communication.
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