The nurse should first address the client’s

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followed by the client’s

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.

Choice A rationale

Severe preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure, often accompanied by seizures (eclampsia). The client is at high risk for seizures, which can cause falls and injury. Ensuring the side rails are up is a critical safety measure to protect the client from falling out of bed during a seizure episode. This precaution is part of seizure protocols and is essential for client safety in this high-risk condition.

Choice B rationale

Ambulation is contraindicated for clients with severe preeclampsia. They are at high risk for seizures and should be on strict bed rest to minimize physical activity and stress, which can elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of a seizure. Bed rest also helps to improve placental perfusion, which is often compromised in preeclampsia.

Choice C rationale

In a client with severe preeclampsia, fetal well-being is a major concern. The client should have continuous or frequent fetal monitoring, not just twice daily. The compromised placental perfusion can lead to fetal distress, and frequent monitoring, such as nonstress tests or biophysical profiles, is necessary to detect any signs of distress and intervene promptly.

Choice D rationale

A low-protein diet is not recommended for a client with severe preeclampsia. Preeclampsia often causes proteinuria, a loss of protein in the urine, which can lead to low serum albumin levels. A high-protein diet is often encouraged to replace the lost protein and maintain oncotic pressure, which helps to reduce edema.

Condition: Elder maltreatment 2 actions: Initiate a referral to adult protective services; Administer prescribed pain medication 2 parameters: Frequency and severity of bruises; Nutritional intake and weight

Rationale for correct condition The client’s physical signs (multiple bruises in various stages, unclean appearance), social indicators (dependency, financial control, food insecurity), and behavioral changes in the presence of the caregiver strongly suggest elder abuse. Elder maltreatment includes physical, emotional, financial, and neglectful harm. An 82-year-old with a BMI of 18.3 shows undernutrition. His improved demeanor away from the child reflects psychological coercion. Bruises in different stages may indicate repeated trauma over time.

Rationale for correct actions Referral to adult protective services ensures legal and social intervention and facilitates multidisciplinary evaluation for safety. Reporting is mandated and protects the client from further harm. Administering pain medication addresses acute injury (fracture of right radius) and helps restore comfort. Effective pain management is crucial for mobility and assessment of additional injuries.

Rationale for correct parameters Monitoring bruising patterns helps identify ongoing abuse and quantify recovery or new trauma. Repeated injuries in various healing stages are hallmark signs. Nutritional intake and weight reflect neglect; insufficient food intake leads to weight loss and reduced immune function. Tracking BMI and calorie intake can guide long-term recovery and support.

Rationale for incorrect conditions Osteoporosis-related fracture would more likely occur with minimal trauma and does not explain social neglect or emotional signs. Accidental fall may be plausible but lacks explanation for systemic neglect and coercion. Peripheral neuropathy doesn’t explain acute arm pain or psychosocial signs of neglect.

Rationale for incorrect actions Encouraging activity is inappropriate during acute fracture recovery and potential abuse. Bone density scans assess fragility but don’t address safety risks. Nutritional supplements may help but don’t resolve underlying maltreatment or acute injury.

Rationale for incorrect parameters Bone density is not immediately relevant and doesn't reflect maltreatment. Blood pressure fluctuations are not present and don’t indicate abuse. Grip strength cannot be assessed accurately with an arm fracture and isn't useful for abuse evaluation.

Take-home points • Elder maltreatment includes physical harm, neglect, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation • Victims may show improved responsiveness when abuser is absent • Multidisciplinary intervention via adult protective services is critical • Differentiation from accidental injury ensures proper protection and care