The practical nurse (PN) is caring for an older client who is receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer. Which finding is the highest priority for the PN to report to the charge nurse?

Reference ranges:

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): [Adult: 10 to 20 mg/dL or 3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L] Platelets: [150,000 to 400,000/mm3 or 150 to 400 x 10^9/L]

The correct answer is Choice A:

"Determine home navigational safety hazards.”. Choice A rationale:

The PN should first assess the client's home for safety hazards that may be contributing to the client's unsteadiness and increased fall risk. Identifying and addressing these hazards can help create a safer environment for the client and potentially prevent accidents.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to obtain a medical alert device is not the immediate priority in this situation. Addressing the client's safety and identifying potential hazards should be the first step before considering additional measures like medical alert devices.

Choice C rationale:

Recommending that the client obtain a walker is premature without first assessing the home

environment and determining if there are any correctable safety issues. The PN should prioritize safety assessment before recommending any assistive devices.

Choice D rationale:

While maintaining the client's privacy is important, it is not the most urgent action in this scenario. The priority is to assess the client's safety and identify potential hazards in the home. Privacy concerns can be addressed afterward.

The correct answer is choiced. Explains importance of wearing protective clothing when outdoors.

Choice A rationale:

Maintaining a current immunization schedule is important for overall health, but it is not directly related to Lyme disease prevention or management, as there is no vaccine for Lyme disease in humans.

Choice B rationale:

Wearing a mask when leaving the room is a precaution for airborne diseases, not for Lyme disease, which is transmitted through tick bites.

Choice C rationale:

Disposal of personal tissues in a no-touch receptacle is a general infection control measure but does not specifically address Lyme disease prevention or management.

Choice D rationale:

Wearing protective clothing when outdoors is crucial for preventing tick bites, which are the primary mode of transmission for Lyme disease. This measure directly addresses the prevention of Lyme disease.