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.
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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Administering the medication to a client behind a closed curtain:
Administering medication behind a closed curtain is not necessarily a tort. However, it may be a breach of privacy depending on the circumstances and the client's preferences.
B. Enlisting security personnel to assist with restraining the client:
Enlisting security personnel to assist with restraining an agitated client is not inherently a tort. It may be necessary to ensure the safety of the client and healthcare providers, depending on the situation.
C. Informing a client that the medication being administered is a vitamin:
Misinforming a client about the medication being administered is not a tort, but it is unethical and can lead to potential harm if the client does not receive appropriate treatment.
D. Placing a client in restraints without having a healthcare provider's order:
This action constitutes a tort known as false imprisonment. Restraints should only be applied when ordered by a healthcare provider and when necessary to ensure the safety of the client or others. Placing a client in restraints without proper authorization can lead to physical and psychological harm and is a violation of the client's rights.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. 1.035:
This specific gravity value indicates highly concentrated urine. In the context of a client experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty tolerating oral fluids, such a high specific gravity would be indicative of significant dehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in, leading to an imbalance in electrolytes and an increase in urine concentration.
B. 1.015:
This specific gravity value falls within the normal reference range for urine specific gravity. In the context of vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty tolerating oral fluids, a value within the normal range may be less likely. However, it's important to note that initial testing may not reflect the full extent of dehydration, especially if the client's fluid intake has been severely limited over a short period.
C. 1.005:
This specific gravity value is at the lower end of the normal reference range for urine specific gravity. In a client experiencing significant fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea, the urine may become more concentrated as the body attempts to conserve water. Therefore, a value of 1.005 would be less likely on initial testing in this context.
D. 1.025:
Similar to Option B, this specific gravity value falls within the normal reference range. While it's possible for a dehydrated individual to have a specific gravity within the normal range, a value of 1.025 may be less likely in the context of significant fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea. However, it's important to consider that dehydration severity and urine concentration can vary among individuals.
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