An older client recently transferred to a rehabilitation facility after aortic valve replacement surgery is experiencing anxiety and difficulty adjusting to the transition. The healthcare provider prescribes an antidepressant and a mild sedative for sleep. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?

Choice A reason: This is a correct answer because determining if the mother has recently experienced a fall is important to rule out any head injury or concussion that could cause confusion. Parkinson's disease can increase the risk of falls due to impaired balance, coordination, and mobility.

Choice B reason: This is not a correct answer because reviewing the client's current food and medication allergies is not relevant to the mother's confusion. However, it may be important to review the client's current medications and dosages to check for any adverse effects or interactions that could affect cognition.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct answer because encouraging increased intake of high protein foods is not helpful for the mother's confusion. In fact, high protein foods may interfere with the absorption of levodopa, a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms. The nurse should advise the daughter to consult with a dietitian about the optimal timing and amount of protein intake for her mother.

Choice D reason: This is a correct answer because instructing the daughter to check her mother's temperature is important to detect any fever or infection that could cause confusion. Older adults are more susceptible to infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, or sepsis, whih can affect mental status.

Choice E reason: This is a correct answer because asking if the mother is experiencing any pain with urination is important to screen for any UTI that could cause confusion. UTIs are common in older adults due to reduced bladder function, incomplete emptying, and decreased immunity. UTIs can cause symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, urgency, hematuria, and delirium.

Choice A reason: Securing chest tube to the stretcher for transport is not the most important action for the nurse to take. Chest tube is a device that drains air or fluid from the pleural space or mediastinum after surgery or trauma. Securing chest tube to the stretcher can prevent accidental dislodgement or kinking of the tube during transport, but it is not as crucial as maintaining proper drainage.

Choice B reason: Marking the amount of chest drainage on the container is not the most important action for the nurse to take. Chest drainage is the fluid or air that collects in the chest tube container after being drained from the pleural space or mediastinum. Marking the amount of chest drainage on the container can help monitor fluid balance and detect excessive bleeding or leakage, but it is not as vital as ensuring proper drainage.

Choice D reason: Administering PRN pain medication prior to transport is not a timely action for the nurse to take. Pain medication is a drug that relieves pain by blocking pain signals or reducing inflammation. Administering pain medication prior to transport can improve comfort and reduce anxiety for the client, but it is not as urgent as preventing complications.