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 B

Explanation

A. Regular exercise:

Regular exercise is important for overall cardiovascular health and can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease. However, smoking cessation is more crucial because smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease and quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits for heart health.

B. Smoking cessation:

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease as it damages the blood vessels, increases blood pressure, reduces oxygen supply to the heart, and promotes the formation of blood clots. Encouraging smoking cessation is essential for reducing the risk of heart disease and improving overall health.

C. Low-fat diet:

Adopting a low-fat diet can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, but it may not be as critical as smoking cessation for individuals with a family history of cardiac disease.

D. Stress reduction:

While stress reduction techniques such as relaxation exercises, meditation, and mindfulness can be beneficial for heart health, addressing smoking cessation is more urgent for individuals with a family history of cardiac disease, as smoking is a more significant risk factor for heart disease.

A. "I am sorry to disturb you at a difficult time. This can walt until later." B. “While touching the client's forearm, asks, "Would you like to talk about it?" C. "This is a bad time. I can see you are upset. I can come back later." D. “Gives the client a hug and says, "It is okay to cry when you are sad."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "I am sorry to disturb you at a difficult time. This can wait until later."

This response acknowledges the client's distress but does not actively engage with the client's emotions or offer support. It also suggests postponing the assessment, which may not be necessary if the client is willing to discuss their feelings.

B. “While touching the client's forearm, asks, 'Would you like to talk about it?'"

This response demonstrates empathy and offers the client an opportunity to express their feelings if they wish to do so. By gently touching the client's forearm and asking if they would like to talk, the nurse conveys support and openness to the client's emotional needs.

C. "This is a bad time. I can see you are upset. I can come back later."

While this response acknowledges the client's emotions and offers to return later, it may not be the most helpful approach. It assumes that the client does not want to engage in conversation at that moment without giving them the opportunity to express their preferences.

D. “Gives the client a hug and says, 'It is okay to cry when you are sad.'"

While offering physical comfort like a hug can be appropriate in some situations, it's important to respect the client's personal boundaries and preferences, especially if they are in distress. Additionally, some clients may not feel comfortable with physical touch from healthcare providers. This response also assumes the client's emotions without directly addressing their needs or offering them an opportunity to express themselves verbally.

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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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