A nurse is serving on a state task force for disaster planning. The nurse is engaging in disaster preparedness efforts when performing which of the following actions?

A. Provide oral care to the client every 6 hr:

While oral care is important for comfort, a fixed time interval may not be sufficient. Clients near death may experience increased oral secretions, and providing oral care should be based on the individual's needs. It's more appropriate to provide oral care as needed rather than adhering strictly to a 6-hour schedule.

B. Elevate the head of the client's bed

Elevating the head of the bed can help ease breathing and reduce the sensation of breathlessness, which is a common issue for clients who are near death. This position can also prevent aspiration if the client has difficulty swallowing.

C. Turn the client every 4 hr.

Turning the client every 4 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers, but in the context of a client who is near death, comfort measures take precedence. Frequent turning might cause unnecessary discomfort or pain.

D. Offer the client ice chips:

Offering ice chips may not be appropriate for a client near death. In the final stages of life, maintaining comfort is crucial, and ice chips may not contribute positively to the overall comfort of the client. Hydration and nutritional needs are often reassessed in the context of end-of-life care, and other comfort measures may be prioritized over offering ice chips.

A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):
While COPD can lead to decreased exercise tolerance and episodes of hypoxia, which might indirectly contribute to dizziness or imbalance, it is not as directly associated with an increased risk of falls as conditions that impair vision or balance.

B. Chronic kidney disease (CKD):
CKD can have systemic effects and may contribute to muscle weakness or electrolyte imbalances in advanced stages, but it is not typically considered a primary risk factor for falls in the home health setting.

C. Wide-angle glaucoma:
Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve and leads to visual field deficits, particularly affecting peripheral vision. Impaired vision is a well-known risk factor for falls because it reduces the ability to detect hazards in the environment. This makes it more difficult for clients to navigate safely, increasing their risk of falls.

D. Osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, all of which may increase fall risk. However, compared to visual impairment, which directly affects a person’s ability to see obstacles and maintain balance, the impact of osteoarthritis on fall risk is generally considered less significant in this context.