An older postoperative client has the nursing problem, "Impaired mobility related to fear of falling." Which desired outcome best directs the practical nurse's (PN) actions for this client?
The client will use self-affirmation statements to decrease fear.
The client will ambulate with assistance for q4 hours.
The physical therapist will instruct the client in the use of a walker.
The PN will place a gait belt on the client prior to ambulation.
The Correct Answer is B
While all of the options address the issue of impaired mobility related to fear of falling, the desired outcome of ambulating with assistance q4 hours is the most specific and measurable goal. This outcome focuses on promoting mobility and addressing the client's fear of falling by providing the necessary assistance during ambulation. It ensures that the client is engaging in regular activity and working towards regaining mobility.
The other options address different aspects of the nursing problem:
A. "The client will use self-affirmation statements to decrease fear" is a potential intervention that can be used to address the client's fear of falling, but it does not directly address the issue of impaired mobility.
C. "The physical therapist will instruct the client in the use of a walker" is an intervention that can be helpful in improving mobility, but it does not specify the frequency or timing of ambulation.
D. "The PN will place a gait belt on the client prior to ambulation" is a specific intervention that ensures the safety of the client during ambulation, but it does not address the frequency or timing of ambulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is the priority action by the practical nurse (PN) because it can help identify and prevent a potential adverse reaction to the medication. A client who is reaching saturation with medication means that the client has reached the maximum level of medication in the blood that can produce the desired therapeutic effect. However, this also means that the client is at a higher risk of developing toxicity or side effects from the medication.
The PN should report the findings of muscle soreness, fatigue, and warm skin to the charge nurse, as these may indicate signs of inflammation, infection, or allergic reaction to the medication. The PN should also monitor the client's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and laboratory values, and document the findings. The charge nurse should notify the health care provider and adjust the medication dosage or regimen as ordered.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The vital sign trends that indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and should be reported to the charge nurse are:
Bradycardia: A slow heart rate can be a sign of increased ICP.
Irregular respiratory patterns: Abnormal breathing patterns, such as irregular or Cheyne-Stokes respirations, can be indicative of increased ICP.
Widening pulse pressure: An increased difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure (widening pulse pressure) can be a sign of increased ICP.
A- Heart rate above 110 beats/minute, elevated respiratory rate, and hypotension: While an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate can be associated with increased ICP, hypotension (low blood pressure) is not typically seen in this condition. Hypotension can be a sign of other factors, such as hypovolemia or shock, which may or may not be related to the head injury.
B- Bounding pulse rate, groaning respiratory effort, and elevated blood pressure: Bounding pulse rate and elevated blood pressure are not specific to increased ICP. They can be influenced by other factors such as pain, anxiety, or medications. Groaning respiratory effort may indicate respiratory distress, but it is not directly related to increased ICP.
C- Thready rapid pulse, trembling, perspiration, weakness, and irritability: These signs and symptoms can be associated with various conditions such as anxiety, stress, or other physiological responses. While they may occur in the context of increased ICP, they are not specific to this condition alone.
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