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A nurse is caring for a client who is on fall precautions. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A.

Silence the bed alarm when visitors are at the client's bedside.

B.

Establish an elimination schedule for the client.

C.

Raise all four bed rails on the client's bed.

D.

Allow the client to walk unassisted near the nursing station

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Silence the bed alarm when visitors are at the client's bedside. Bed alarms are a critical safety device for clients on fall precautions and should never be silenced when the client is in bed, regardless of visitors. Alarms alert staff if the client attempts to get up unsafely.
B. Establish an elimination schedule for the client. A regular toileting schedule helps reduce the risk of falls by preventing unassisted attempts to get out of bed to use the bathroom. This proactive approach supports both safety and comfort.
C. Raise all four bed rails on the client's bed. Raising all four rails is considered a form of restraint and can actually increase the risk of injury if the client attempts to climb over them. Two rails up is generally acceptable for support and safety.
D. Allow the client to walk unassisted near the nursing station. Clients on fall precautions should always be supervised or assisted during ambulation to prevent accidents, even when close to staff. Being near the nursing station does not eliminate the risk.
 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "Remain on bed rest for 24 hours following the procedure." Prolonged bed rest increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary complications. Early ambulation or movement is encouraged to promote circulation and prevent complications.
B. "Participate in range-of-motion exercises." Range-of-motion (ROM) exercises help stimulate venous return, improve circulation, and prevent blood stasis, which lowers the risk of postoperative blood clots and muscle stiffness.
C. "Place a pillow under your knees while in bed." Placing a pillow under the knees can impair circulation and increase the risk of venous stasis and thrombus formation. It is not recommended for circulation promotion.
D. "Use an incentive spirometer every 4 hours." While this instruction helps prevent respiratory complications, it is not a direct intervention for improving circulatory function. It's primarily used to promote lung expansion postoperatively.

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"A","dropdown-group-3":"C"}

Explanation

  • Endometritis – This uterine infection is one of the most common postpartum complications, especially following cesarean delivery and prolonged rupture of membranes. It often presents with foul-smelling lochia, uterine tenderness, and systemic signs of infection like fever and leukocytosis. This client’s presentation, including foul-smelling lochia and a WBC of 33,000/mm³, strongly supports this diagnosis.
  • Mastitis – Typically associated with localized breast pain, redness, swelling, and systemic symptoms like fever. While the client has nipple discomfort and firm breasts, these are common postpartum findings during milk let-down and do not meet the criteria for mastitis, especially without signs of inflammation or localized breast infection.
  • Pulmonary embolism – A PE generally presents with sudden-onset chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea, and hypoxia. This client’s oxygen saturation is normal, lung sounds are clear, and there is no respiratory distress, making PE unlikely.
  • Postpartum hemorrhage – Hemorrhage would present with excessive vaginal bleeding, hypotension, tachycardia, and possibly uterine atony. This client’s uterus is firm, lochia is moderate (not heavy), and vital signs are stable, so hemorrhage is not supported by the data.
  • Lochia assessment – Foul-smelling lochia is a classic indicator of uterine infection. It points to endometritis when found with other risk factors like cesarean birth, prolonged labor, and signs of systemic inflammation.
  • Elevated white blood cell count – A postpartum WBC count may be mildly elevated, but a level of 33,000/mm³ suggests infection. When combined with clinical symptoms like uterine tenderness and malodorous discharge, it supports a diagnosis of endometritis.
  • Firm uterus at 1 cm above umbilicus – This finding is expected on postpartum day 3 and indicates normal uterine involution. A firm uterus rules out uterine atony and is not specific to infection or hemorrhage.
  • Moderate nipple discomfort – Breast fullness and nipple tenderness are common in breastfeeding mothers, especially in the early postpartum period. This discomfort alone does not indicate mastitis or any systemic infection.

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