The nurse assesses an older adult client's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). When observing the client ambulate, the nurse notes that the client's posture is upright, and the gait is smooth and steady. Which action should the nurse take next?

Initiate a fall risk protocol for the client.

Teach the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls.

Determine the client's activity tolerance.

Record the client's ability to perform ADLS safely.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Initiate a fall risk protocol for the client:

Initiating a fall risk protocol may be premature based solely on observations of an upright posture and a smooth, steady gait. While falls are a significant concern in older adults, these observations suggest that the client currently exhibits good balance and mobility, which may not warrant immediate initiation of a fall risk protocol. Fall risk assessments typically involve a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors beyond posture and gait, such as medical history, medications, cognitive status, and environmental factors.

B. Teach the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls:

Teaching the client to shorten their stride to prevent falls may not be necessary based on the observed smooth and steady gait. Shortening the stride is often recommended for individuals who exhibit signs of imbalance or instability during walking. However, in this scenario, the client demonstrates a smooth and steady gait, suggesting that their current gait pattern is effective and does not pose an immediate risk of falling.

C. Determine the client's activity tolerance:

Assessing the client's activity tolerance is an appropriate next step in the nursing process. While the observed upright posture and smooth, steady gait are positive indicators of mobility, understanding the client's overall activity tolerance provides valuable insight into their functional capacity and ability to perform activities of daily living safely. This assessment helps tailor care interventions to meet the client's individual needs and promotes optimal independence and quality of life.

D. Record the client's ability to perform ADLs safely:

Documenting the client's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) safely is an essential component of nursing assessment and documentation. However, it may not be the most immediate action to take following the observation of an upright posture and smooth, steady gait. While documenting findings is important for maintaining accurate records and facilitating communication among healthcare team members, further assessment of the client's activity tolerance would provide additional context for documenting their functional status accurately.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Criminal assault and battery:

Criminal assault and battery involve intentionally causing harm to another person without their consent. In this scenario, the nurse's actions were aimed at providing aid and ensuring the victim's safety. There is no indication of any intentional harm or violence toward the victim.

B. Negligent acts of omission:

Negligent acts of omission occur when a healthcare provider fails to act in a manner consistent with the standard of care, resulting in harm to another person. In this scenario, the nurse took certain actions to assist the victim, such as turning off the engine key and assessing the victim's condition. There is no indication of negligent omission as the nurse took appropriate actions given the circumstances.

C. Abandonment of the victim:

This applies if a healthcare professional leaves a patient in need of care without ensuring appropriate transfer of care. In this scenario, the nurse handed over the situation to EMS before leaving.

D. Good Samaritan immunity:

Good Samaritan laws protect individuals, including nurses, who voluntarily provide assistance in emergency situations from legal liability, as long as their actions are within the scope of their knowledge and training and are performed in good faith. The nurse stopped to help, provided care, and then reported to EMS personnel before leaving, which is consistent with the protection offered by Good Samaritan laws.

A. Provide a back rub at bedtime. B. Leave the door to the client's room open slightly. C. Apply wrist restraints to prevent wandering. D. Administer a PRN sedative prescription.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Provide a back rub at bedtime:

This intervention addresses the client's immediate need for comfort and relaxation without resorting to restrictive measures or medications.

B. Leave the door to the client's room open slightly:

Leaving the door open may not prevent wandering and could potentially lead to safety issues.

C. Apply wrist restraints to prevent wandering:

Restraints should only be used as a last resort and when all other interventions have failed. They pose risks to the client's physical and psychological well-being and should be avoided whenever possible.

D. Administer a PRN sedative prescription:

Sedatives should be used judiciously and only after other non-pharmacological interventions have been attempted. Sedating the client may increase the risk of falls or injury and should not be the first-line intervention for managing sleep disturbances or wandering behavior.

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The nurse assesses an older adult client's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). When observing the client ambulate, the nurse notes that the client's posture is upright, and the gait is smooth and steady. Which action should the nurse take next?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A confused older adult client is having trouble sleeping at night and is sometimes found wandering in the hallway. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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