A nurse is performing a mobility assessment on a client.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

An increase in skin thinning is not a typical age-related change in the skin. In older adults, skin tends to become thinner due to a decrease in subcutaneous tissue, making it more fragile and susceptible to damage.

Choice B rationale:

An increase in skin elasticity is not a common characteristic of aging skin. In fact, older adults often experience a decrease in skin elasticity, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.

Choice D rationale:

While there may be changes in blood supply to the skin as people age, an increase in blood supply is not a well-established or typical age-related change. Decreased blood flow to the skin is more common in older adults.

Choice E rationale:

Decrease in skin hydration is a common age-related change, but it's not the most significant change mentioned in the question. The primary focus in older adults is the decrease in subcutaneous tissue, which has a more direct impact on skin health.

Choice A rationale:

Tightening abdominal muscles is not the first action the nurse should take when repositioning a client. Repositioning a client requires proper body mechanics and coordination. Tightening abdominal muscles may not be as effective or safe as other actions in ensuring the client's safety during repositioning.

Choice B rationale:

Raising the height of the client's bed is not the first action the nurse should take when repositioning a client. Adjusting the bed height is a secondary consideration and can be done after ensuring proper body mechanics and patient safety during the repositioning process.

Choice C rationale:

Pivoting the feet in the direction of the move is a crucial step when repositioning a client. This action allows the nurse to maintain balance and control during the transfer. It also reduces the risk of injury to the nurse and the client. However, it is not the first action to be taken.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the feet in line with the shoulders is the first action the nurse should take when repositioning a client. This wide base of support provides stability and balance. It allows the nurse to maintain control during the repositioning process, reducing the risk of injury to both the nurse and the client. After achieving this stable stance, pivoting the feet in the direction of the move is the next step to facilitate the repositioning.