A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a prescription for oxygen administration at home. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Rationale:

A. Abdomen: The abdominal skin may be loose due to age-related changes, weight fluctuations, or prior pregnancies, making it less reliable for assessing dehydration in older adults. Lifting skin here may give a false impression of skin turgor.

B. Shoulder: Skin over the shoulder can be affected by aging, sun exposure, or decreased subcutaneous tissue, which can distort the assessment of hydration status. It is not the preferred site for older adults.

C. Neck: The skin of the neck is thin and may show wrinkles or sagging unrelated to hydration. Assessing turgor here is less accurate in older clients and may overestimate skin elasticity changes due to aging.

D. Sternum: The skin over the sternum is relatively less affected by age-related changes and provides a more reliable site for assessing turgor in older adults. Lifting this area allows the nurse to evaluate hydration status more accurately without interference from natural skin laxity elsewhere.

Rationale:

A. Stair carpeting is attached with carpet tacks: Loose or improperly secured carpeting on stairs creates a significant tripping hazard, especially for clients with mobility limitations such as a hip fracture. Carpet tacks can cause the edges of the carpet to lift, increasing the risk of falls and further injury.

B. Nonessential items are stored in drawers: Storing nonessential items in drawers does not create an immediate fall risk or safety hazard. Keeping items organized in drawers can actually reduce clutter in walking areas, making the environment safer.

C. Magazines are stacked neatly on the stairs: Even neatly stacked magazines on stairs are a potential tripping hazard. However, the option specifies “neatly stacked,” which implies some order, though ideally items should not be on stairs at all. Carpet tacks pose a more immediate and hidden danger than visible items.

D. End tables are secured to the wall: Securing furniture prevents tipping and provides stability, which enhances safety for clients with mobility limitations. This measure decreases the risk of falls and does not pose a hazard.