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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. After each instruction, ask if the client understands:
While checking for understanding after each instruction is important, it may not accurately assess the client's ability to perform wound care independently. Verbal confirmation does not ensure competency in wound care techniques.
B. Have an interpreter repeat the wound care instructions:
Having an interpreter repeat the wound care instructions may help ensure accurate communication, but it does not assess the client's ability to perform the wound care independently.
C. Provide written instructions in the client's native language:
Providing written instructions in the client's native language can be helpful for reference, but it may not effectively assess the client's understanding or ability to perform the wound care.
D. Have the client demonstrate prescribed wound care:
This is the most appropriate method for evaluating the client's understanding of self-care at home. Having the client demonstrate wound care techniques allows the nurse to directly observe the client's competency in performing the necessary tasks. It provides a practical assessment of the client's ability to independently manage wound care post-discharge. If the client is unable to demonstrate the procedure correctly, the nurse can provide additional education and support as needed.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Encourage increased fluid intake and measure urinary output every 8 hours:
While hydration and monitoring urinary output are important aspects of overall health care, they are not specifically related to managing chronic pain. Therefore, this intervention may not be directly relevant to addressing the client's pain.
B. Assist the client to ambulate as much as possible during waking hours:
Ambulation helps maintain mobility, prevent complications like muscle atrophy and deep vein thrombosis, and can improve overall well-being. For clients with chronic pain, assisting with ambulation can be beneficial in managing pain and improving quality of life. The goal is to balance activity with the client's pain tolerance and capabilities.
C. Determine client's subjective measure of pain using a numerical pain scale:
Using a numerical pain scale helps assess the intensity of pain and monitor changes over time. It provides valuable information for tailoring pain management strategies to the client's needs and allows for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.
D. Provide comfort measures such as topical warm application and tactile massage:
Comfort measures such as warm applications and massage can help alleviate pain and promote relaxation. These interventions address the client's comfort and well-being, making them appropriate for inclusion in the plan of care for managing chronic pain.
E. Implement a 24-hour schedule of routine administration of prescribed analgesic:
Establishing a regular schedule of analgesic administration helps maintain consistent pain control and prevents breakthrough pain. This intervention is essential for managing chronic pain effectively and promoting the client's comfort and quality of life.
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