An older adult client arrives at the clinic reporting decreased strength in knees and in handgrips. Which action should the nurse include in a functional assessment of the client?
Assist the client with clarifying values about end-of-life care options.
Ask the client how often episodes of sundowning are experienced.
Request to have the client lie as still as possible for the assessment.
Question the client about the frequency of falls in recent months.
The Correct Answer is D
A. This action pertains more to discussions about advance care planning and end-of-life preferences, which may be important but are not directly related to assessing the client's functional status.
B. Episodes of sundowning are associated with changes in behavior, confusion, and agitation in some individuals with dementia, particularly in the late afternoon or evening. While important to assess in certain contexts, it is not directly related to evaluating the client's physical strength and mobility.
C. Asking the client to lie still does not provide information about their functional status or ability to perform activities of daily living.
D. This is the most appropriate action because it directly addresses the client's reported decreased strength and assesses the impact on their functional ability. Falls are a common consequence of reduced strength and mobility in older adults and can provide valuable information about the client's current physical function and safety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","F","G"]
Explanation
A. Increase the fractional concentration of Inspired oxygen: As the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO) has decreased to 64 mm Hg from 99 mm Hg, and the oxygen saturation may drop, it's necessary to increase the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) to maintain adequate oxygenation.
B. Change the ventilator settings to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): CPAP is not typically used in patients who are intubated. CPAP is a non-invasive ventilation mode used for patients with respiratory distress who are breathing spontaneously. In this case, the patient is intubated and requires mechanical ventilation, so CPAP is not appropriate.
C. Increase the respiratory rate: While the respiratory rate has decreased from 15 to 13 breaths/minute, it's important to maintain a careful balance when adjusting ventilator settings. Increasing the respiratory rate may not be necessary at this point, especially if the patient is still oxygenating adequately. Moreover, the primary concern appears to be hypoxemia rather than hypoventilation.
D. Continue weaning the ventilator as ordered: While weaning the patient off the ventilator is a goal, it may not be appropriate at this time, especially with the worsening blood gas values
indicating respiratory insufficiency. Continuing the weaning process could potentially exacerbate respiratory failure.
E. Decrease the tidal volume: Decreasing the tidal volume could worsen ventilation-perfusion matching and exacerbate hypoxemia. This approach might be considered in certain cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or in patients with severe lung injury, but it's not typically indicated in this scenario without further assessment.
F. Alert the provider of the blood gas values: The nurse should inform the provider about the changes in blood gas values, especially the decrease in PaO2 and the increase in PaCO2, which indicate worsening respiratory status and potential respiratory acidosis.
G. Switch the ventilator to pressure control: Given the deterioration in respiratory status with an increase in PaCO2 and decrease in PaO2, switching to pressure control ventilation may provide better control over the patient's ventilation and oxygenation, especially in cases of acute
respiratory failure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While monitoring erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit is important in clients with ESRD due to the risk of anemia associated with kidney dysfunction, it is not the primary focus of monitoring for ESRD.
B. Clients with ESRD often experience electrolyte imbalances, including hyperkalemia (high potassium), hypocalcemia (low calcium), and hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus). Monitoring these electrolyte levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, bone
disease, and soft tissue calcifications.
C. While blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are essential vital signs to monitor in all clients, they are not specific laboratory tests for monitoring ESRD. However, blood pressure monitoring is particularly important in ESRD due to the increased risk of hypertension and its associated complications.
D. Monitoring leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine levels is not typically a primary concern in clients with ESRD. Leukocyte and neutrophil levels may be monitored to assess for signs of infection, but they are not specific to ESRD. Thyroxine levels are typically monitored in clients with thyroid disorders, not ESRD.
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