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. Capillary refill of 2 seconds in the lower right foot:

Capillary refill of 2 seconds in the lower right foot is within normal limits and does not require documentation in a chart-by-exception system, as it is considered an expected finding.

B. Basilar lung sounds that are diminished in the left lung:

Diminished basilar lung sounds in the left lung may indicate a respiratory issue and would be considered a significant finding warranting documentation in a chart-by-exception system.

C. Contraction of the left pupil when light shines in the right eye:

Contraction of the left pupil when light shines in the right eye is an abnormal finding (consensual response), which should be documented in a chart-by-exception system.

D. Active bowel sounds in the lower right quadrant:

Active bowel sounds in the lower right quadrant are within normal limits and do not require documentation in a chart-by-exception system, as they are considered expected findings.

A. Administering the medication to a client behind a closed curtain. B. Enlisting security personnel to assist with restraining the client. C. Informing a client that the medication being administered is a vitamin. D. Placing a client in restraints without having a healthcare provider's order.

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.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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