After traveling to a country with a tropical climate, a young adult is diagnosed with a liver abscess and is taking antimicrobial therapy as an outpatient.
During a follow-up visit at the community clinic, the nurse observes that the patient has developed jaundice.
Which action should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale

Initiating bilateral intermittent sequential pneumatic compression devices is not the most appropriate immediate intervention for a patient showing signs of a possible stroke. These devices are typically used to prevent deep vein thrombosis in patients who are immobile, not for stroke management.

Choice B rationale

Raising the head of the bed to 30 degrees and keeping the head and neck in neutral alignment is the correct intervention. This position can help reduce intracranial pressure and facilitate venous drainage. In the case of a suspected stroke, it’s crucial to maintain proper cerebral blood flow.

Choice C rationale

Maintaining elevated positioning of the dependent joints on the affected side is not the immediate priority in stroke management. While it’s important to prevent contractures and maintain functional positioning, the immediate concern is to stabilize the patient’s condition.

Choice D rationale

Obtaining a focused history to determine recent bleeding and use of anticoagulants is important, but it’s not the first intervention. While this information will be necessary for the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of treatment, the immediate priority is to manage the patient’s acute symptoms.

Choice A rationale

While understanding risk factors for osteoporosis is important, it is not the highest priority for an older adult client diagnosed with osteoporosis. The highest priority is ensuring the client’s safety to prevent falls and fractures.

Choice B rationale

While constipation due to immobility can be a concern for clients with osteoporosis, it is not the highest priority for an older adult client diagnosed with osteoporosis. The highest priority is ensuring the client’s safety to prevent falls and fractures.

Choice C rationale

Identifying home safety hazards to be resolved immediately is the highest priority for an older adult client diagnosed with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, and falls are a common cause of fractures in older adults. Therefore, ensuring a safe environment is crucial.

Choice D rationale

While adding calcium-rich foods to the daily diet can help manage osteoporosis, it is not the highest priority for an older adult client diagnosed with osteoporosis. The highest priority is ensuring the client’s safety to prevent falls and fractures.