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 C

Explanation

A. Warn the colleague that copying health information is unlawful:

While informing the colleague about the unlawful nature of copying health information is important, it may not adequately address the potential breach of patient privacy and confidentiality. Additionally, the colleague may be aware of the laws but still engage in inappropriate behavior.

B. Send an email to facility administrators reporting the action:

Reporting the colleague's actions to facility administrators may be necessary, but it may not be the most immediate action to take. Informing the unit charge nurse allows for more immediate intervention and resolution within the unit.

C. Communicate the colleague's activities to the unit charge nurse:

This is the most appropriate action because it informs the person in charge of the unit about the observed behavior, allowing for immediate intervention and potential corrective action. The unit charge nurse can address the situation promptly and ensure that patient privacy and confidentiality are maintained.

D. Dispose the copies and continue with client care assignments:

While disposing of the copies may prevent further unauthorized access to patient information, it does not address the issue of the colleague's inappropriate handling of the records. It's essential to report the incident to the appropriate authority for further investigation and follow-up.

A. Places food on the unaffected side of the mouth. B. Raises the head of the bed to 60 degrees. C. Positions the head with the chin tilted slightly downward. D. Allows 30 minutes of rest before feeding.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Places food on the unaffected side of the mouth:

This is correct practice for clients at risk for aspiration. Placing food on the unaffected side helps ensure safer swallowing.

B. Raises the head of the bed to 60 degrees:

Clients at risk for aspiration-especially after a CVA (stroke)-should have the head of the bed elevated to at least90 degrees during feeding.60 degrees is insufficient to fully protect the airway and reduce the risk of aspiration.

C. Positions the head with the chin tilted slightly downward:

Positioning the head with the chin tilted slightly downward (chin tuck) helps close off the airway during swallowing, further reducing the risk of aspiration. This is another appropriate technique to minimize the risk of aspiration during feeding.

D. Allows 30 minutes of rest before feeding:

Resting reduces fatigue, which can improve swallowing safety and coordination.

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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

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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