A nurse is caring for a client who is admitted to the medical-surgical unit. Client reports, "I'm bloated and my stomach hurts."

Exhibits

The nurse reviews the client's laboratory findings and vital signs.

Select the 5 findings that require immediate follow-up.

Answer is B, C, D, E, F. These are the findings that suggest possible elder abuse or neglect.

• B: Client’s report of lack of food in home. This may indicate neglect by the adult child who is supposed to provide adequate nutrition for the client.
• C: Client’s report of lack of access to bank accounts. This may indicate financial abuse by the adult child who is controlling the client’s money without his permission.
• D: Client’s avoidance of eye contact. This may indicate emotional abuse by the adult child who is intimidating or threatening the client.
• E: Client’s report of weight loss. This may indicate neglect by the adult child who is not meeting the client’s basic needs or physical abuse by the adult child who is causing bodily harm to the client.
• F: Numerous bruises in various stages of healing. This may indicate physical abuse by the adult child who is hitting or injuring the client.

A: ECG results. This is not a finding that suggests elder abuse or neglect. It is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help detect cardiac problems. It does not provide information about the client’s social or emotional well-being.

Normal ranges for vital signs:.

• Temperature: 36.1°C to 37.2°C (97°F to 99°F).
• Heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute.
• Blood pressure: less than 120/80 mm Hg.
• Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
• SpO2: 95% to 100% on room air. Table for BMI categories:

The client’s BMI is 18.3, which indicates he is underweight and may be malnourished or have a medical condition that causes weight loss.

Choice A reason

Act as a spokesperson to provide information to the media in inappropriate. During a disaster, the nurse manager or designated hospital spokesperson usually handles communication with the media. The unit nurse's primary focus is on patient care and ensuring the safety and well-being of the clients on their unit.

Choice B reason

Recommending to the provider a list of clients for early discharge is the action that should be taken by the nurse. During a disaster, the responsibility of the unit nurse includes recommending to the healthcare provider a list of clients who may be considered for early discharge. This decision is based on the nurse's assessment of the clients' conditions and the need to create additional capacity for incoming patients who require urgent medical attention.

Choice C reason:

Determining the need for additional providers is inappropriate. The determination of the need for additional providers during a disaster is usually made at a higher level, such as by the nursing supervisor, nurse manager, or hospital administration. The unit nurse may collaborate with the nursing leadership to assess staffing needs and provide input, but the final decision is typically made at a higher level.

Choice D reason

Deciding which clients should be transported for a higher level of care is not the responsibility of the nurse. Decisions about transferring clients for a higher level of care during a disaster are usually made collaboratively among the healthcare team, including the healthcare providers and nursing leadership. The unit nurse may provide valuable input about the clients' conditions, but the decision is not solely the responsibility of the unit nurse.