A nurse is teaching an older adult client about fall prevention strategies at home. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Answer: D. The nurse refers a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for palliative care services:

Rationale:

A) The nurse files an incident report regarding a medication error:

Filing an incident report about a medication error is an important action for ensuring safety and quality improvement within the healthcare setting. However, it is primarily a procedural and administrative task rather than an act of direct advocacy for an individual client's needs or rights.

B) The nurse provides wound care to a client at the time promised to the client:

Providing wound care as promised demonstrates reliability and adherence to care plans, which is essential for trust and effective nursing practice. While this action shows respect for the client's needs and preferences, it does not specifically address the broader role of advocacy, which often involves intervening on behalf of the client's best interests in more complex situations.

C) The nurse declines to inform a client's neighbor about the client's prognosis:

Maintaining client confidentiality by not sharing private information with unauthorized individuals is a fundamental aspect of ethical nursing practice. This action protects the client's privacy but is more about upholding legal and ethical standards than actively advocating for the client's overall well-being or specific needs.

D) The nurse refers a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for palliative care services:

Referring a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to palliative care services exemplifies client advocacy. This action recognizes the client's need for comprehensive support, focusing on improving quality of life, managing symptoms, and providing holistic care. It involves proactive steps to address the client's complex health needs, ensuring they receive appropriate and compassionate care beyond standard medical treatment.

Answer: A

Rationale:

A) Place the client in a room with negative airflow: Disseminated herpes zoster (shingles) requires airborne precautions because the virus can become aerosolized. A room with negative airflow helps prevent the spread of the virus to other areas, protecting healthcare workers and other patients from infection.

B) Remove isolation gown after leaving the client's room: Isolation gowns should be removed before leaving the client's room to prevent the spread of contaminants to other areas. This intervention is important for infection control but is not specific to the requirement for negative airflow in cases of disseminated herpes zoster.

C) Apply ketoconazole to the lesions three times per day: Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication and is not used for treating herpes zoster, which is caused by a viral infection. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, are appropriate for treating herpes zoster lesions.

D) Provide the client with eye protection for ultraviolet B light therapy: Eye protection is necessary during UVB light therapy to protect the eyes, but UVB light therapy is not a standard treatment for disseminated herpes zoster. The priority intervention is to prevent the spread of the infection by using a negative airflow room.