Choice A reason: Adopting a neutral attitude when providing care is essential for building trust with a client who is suspicious. A neutral attitude helps the nurse remain professional and non-threatening, which can make the client feel safer and more comfortable. This approach avoids overwhelming the client with excessive friendliness or personal disclosure, which might increase their suspicion.

Choice B reason: Waiting for the client to initiate interaction is not the best approach. Clients who are suspicious may not feel comfortable initiating interactions, and this could lead to a lack of communication and trust. The nurse should take the initiative to engage with the client in a calm and respectful manner.

Choice C reason: Disclosing some personal information to the client to demonstrate approachability can be counterproductive with a suspicious client. Sharing personal information might be perceived as intrusive or manipulative, which could increase the client’s distrust. Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial.

Choice D reason: Approaching the client frequently throughout the day for brief interactions might overwhelm a suspicious client. While regular interactions are important, they should be balanced and not too frequent to avoid making the client feel pressured or monitored.

Choice A: Administer spironolactone

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to manage heart failure and hypertension. However, the client’s potassium level is elevated at 5.3 mEq/L (normal range: 3.5 to 5 mEq/L) . Administering spironolactone could exacerbate hyperkalemia, leading to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Additionally, the client’s low blood pressure (89/60 mm Hg) and dehydration (indicated by dry skin and tenting) make the use of a diuretic inappropriate as it could further lower blood pressure and worsen dehydration .

Choice B: Administer an IV fluid bolus

The client presents with signs of dehydration (dry skin, tenting, low urine output) and hypotension (BP 89/60 mm Hg). An IV fluid bolus is anticipated to restore intravascular volume, improve blood pressure, and address

dehydration . This intervention is crucial to stabilize the client’s hemodynamic status and improve perfusion to vital organs .

Choice C: Obtain an x-ray of the right hip

The client reports pain in the right hip following a fall, which raises the suspicion of a fracture. An x-ray is essential to diagnose any potential fractures or dislocations, which are common in elderly patients after a fall 5.

Prompt imaging will guide appropriate management and prevent further complications .

Choice D: Administer an iron supplement

While the client has a history of iron-deficiency anemia and is on ferrous sulfate, the immediate need for iron supplementation is nonessential in the context of acute management of the fall and dehydration. The client’s hemoglobin (16 g/dL) and hematocrit (47%) are within normal ranges, indicating that anemia is currently well- managed . The focus should be on stabilizing the client’s acute condition.

Choice E: Obtain the client’s weight

Obtaining the client’s weight is anticipated as it is a critical parameter for calculating medication dosages, fluid requirements, and monitoring the client’s overall health status. Accurate weight measurement is particularly important in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities to ensure precise and safe medical management .

Choice F: Administer supplemental oxygen

The client’s oxygen saturation is 95% on room air, which is within the normal range (95-100%) . Therefore, administering supplemental oxygen is nonessential unless there is evidence of hypoxia or respiratory distress. The primary focus should be on addressing dehydration and hypotension.