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

Choice A rationale:

Alcohol consumption is a modifiable risk factor that can have negative health consequences. However, it is not the primary factor to focus on when discussing ways to improve health. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease, addiction, and other health issues, but it's not the most critical modifiable risk factor for many people.

Choice B rationale:

Family history is not a modifiable risk factor. It's essential information for assessing a person's risk for various health conditions, but it cannot be changed or improved upon. Therefore, it's not the primary focus when teaching someone how to improve their health.

Choice D rationale:

A sedentary lifestyle is a modifiable risk factor and is crucial for improving health. Prolonged inactivity can lead to various health problems, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and muscle weakness. While it's an important factor, it's not the top priority for improving health in this context.

Choice E rationale:

Weight is a modifiable risk factor, and it is closely related to diet and physical activity. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall health, and it often involves a combination of dietary choices and physical activity. However, focusing on diet itself is more specific and directly actionable when providing health improvement advice. Now, let's move on to the next question.

Choice A rationale:

Increasing the heat in the client's room is not the appropriate action for managing dyspnea. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is not typically related to room temperature. Other interventions should be prioritized.

Choice B rationale:

Performing nasotracheal suctioning for the client is not the initial action to address dyspnea at the end of life. Suctioning is indicated when there is excessive secretions or airway obstruction but should not be the first intervention for dyspnea.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the head of the client's bed flat is not the best action for a client experiencing dyspnea. Elevating the head of the bed (Fowler's position) is the recommended position to improve lung expansion and reduce dyspnea in clients with breathing difficulties.

Choice D rationale:

Administering an opioid narcotic to the client is the most appropriate action for managing dyspnea at the end of life. Opioid medications, such as morphine, are often used to relieve severe dyspnea in hospice and palliative care settings. These medications can help relax the client and reduce the sensation of breathlessness. .