The practical nurse (PN) is assessing an older client with left-sided heart failure (HF). What intervention is most important for the PN to implement?
Inspect for sacral edema.
Measure urinary output.
Auscultate all lung fields.
Check mental acuity.
Check mental acuity.
The Correct Answer is C
When assessing an older client with left-sided heart failure (HF), the most important intervention for the practical nurse (PN) to implement is to auscultate all lung fields. Left-sided heart failure is characterized by the inability of the left ventricle to effectively pump blood, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Auscultating all lung fields allows the PN to assess for the presence of abnormal lung sounds such as crackles, indicating pulmonary congestion.

In summary, when assessing an older client with left-sided heart failure, the most important intervention for the practical nurse (PN) to implement is to auscultate all lung fields. This allows for the detection of abnormal lung sounds associated with pulmonary congestion, a hallmark sign of left-sided heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
the practical nurse (PN) should engage in regular contact with the client who demonstrates an inability to communicate effectively. Regular contact helps establish a therapeutic relationship and provides opportunities for observation and assessment of the client's needs and behavior. It also helps the PN to build trust with the client over time.
The other options listed are not appropriate methods for interacting with a client with psychosis who has difficulty communicating effectively:
A. Discouraging group activities: Group activities can be beneficial for individuals with psychosis as they provide opportunities for social interaction, skill-building, and support. It is important to encourage participation in appropriate group activities that are tailored to the client's needs and abilities.
C. Touching the client when speaking: Touching the client without their consent may be perceived as invasive or threatening, especially for individuals with psychosis who may already have difficulties with sensory processing or boundaries. It is important to respect the client's personal space and communicate through verbal means, maintaining a respectful and
non-intrusive approach.
D. Establishing a no-harm contract: No-harm contracts are typically used in the context of suicidal or self-harming behaviors to promote safety and identify support systems. While safety is important, it is not directly related to the communication difficulties associated with psychosis. Instead, the focus should be on developing a therapeutic relationship and finding effective means of communication with the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Bathing a bedfast client with the bed in a high position poses a potential risk to the client's safety. Lowering the bed to a safe height is important to prevent falls and injuries during the bathing procedure. The PN should promptly intervene and instruct the UAP to lower the bed to an appropriate level before continuing with the bathing process.
A. While remaining in the room to supervise the UAP is important, it should be done after ensuring the client's safety by lowering the bed. If the bed is not lowered, the risk of injury remains, and the PN should take immediate action to address the safety concern.
C. Determining if the UAP would like assistance is a valid consideration, but it should be secondary to addressing the safety issue of the bed height. Once the bed is lowered, the PN can assess if additional assistance is required and provide support accordingly.
D. Assuming care of the client immediately may be necessary if the client is in immediate danger or experiencing an urgent medical situation. However, in this case, the primary concern is addressing the safety issue related to the bed height, and the PN can address this by instructing the UAP to lower the bed.
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