Which assessment data reflects the need for the nurse to include the problem, "Risk for falls" in a client's plan of care?

Reference Range:

Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)]

Recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL (160 g/L).

Opioid analgesic received one hour ago.

Expressed feelings of depression.

Stooped posture with a steady gait.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   A serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL (160 g/L) is within the normal reference range for adults (14 to 18 g/dL). Hemoglobin levels that are within the normal range generally do not indicate a direct risk for falls. Low hemoglobin (anemia) could potentially increase fall risk due to fatigue or dizziness, but a normal level is not a risk factor for falls.
B.   Opioid analgesics are known to have side effects such as sedation, dizziness, and impaired motor coordination, which can increase the risk of falls. The recent administration of opioids makes this a significant factor in assessing fall risk, as the client may still be experiencing side effects from the medication that could impair their balance or cognitive function.
C.   Depression can contribute to fall risk in several ways, including reduced motivation to engage in activities, decreased physical strength, and impaired attention. However, while important to address, depression alone is not as immediate or direct a risk factor for falls compared to factors like recent medication side effects or actual physical impairments.
D.   Stooped posture may be indicative of issues such as musculoskeletal problems or balance difficulties. However, if the client has a steady gait, it suggests that despite the stooped posture, their current ability to walk is stable. The stooped posture alone might increase fall risk over time, but it is not as directly related to the immediate risk of falls as recent medication effects.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. This description is more characteristic of a Stage 3 or Stage 4 pressure injury. Stage 3 pressure injuries involve full-thickness skin loss and may expose subcutaneous tissue, and Stage 4 involves extensive damage with possible exposure of muscle, bone, or tendon. Sloughing (a type of necrotic tissue) is not typical of Stage 2 pressure injuries.
B. This description is more indicative of a Stage 1 pressure injury. Stage 1 injuries are characterized by non-blanchable erythema of intact skin, and pain or discomfort in the affected area is common. Stage 1 does not involve the loss of skin integrity, so it would not be the appearance of a Stage 2 injury.
C. This description accurately matches the appearance of a Stage 2 pressure injury. Stage 2 pressure injuries are characterized by partial-thickness loss of skin, which may present as a shallow open ulcer with a red or pink wound bed. It does not extend through the entire thickness of the skin.
D. This description aligns with Stage 3 or Stage 4 pressure injuries, which involve full-thickness skin loss with possible necrotic tissue and deep pockets of infection. These stages involve significant tissue damage beyond what is seen in Stage 2 injuries.

A. Encourage the spouse to share their feelings. B. Offer reassurance that the spouse is not alone. C. Explain that alternative treatment options may be helpful. D. Remind the spouse that the client may still live a long time.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Encouraging the spouse to share their feelings is the most appropriate initial action. It provides an opportunity for the spouse to express their emotions and begin processing their grief. This approach validates the spouse’s feelings, offers emotional support, and establishes a supportive environment where the spouse can feel heard and understood.
B. Offering reassurance that the spouse is not alone can be comforting, but it may not fully address the immediate emotional needs of the spouse. It is important to first allow the spouse to express their feelings and then provide reassurance as part of the ongoing support.
C. Discussing alternative treatment options may be premature and could be perceived as dismissive of the spouse’s immediate emotional response. At this moment, the spouse is focused on the emotional impact of the terminal diagnosis rather than treatment options.
D. While offering hope can be part of supportive care, this approach might unintentionally minimize the spouse’s current feelings of loss and grief. It can also come across as dismissive of the immediate emotional impact of the diagnosis.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Which assessment data reflects the need for the nurse to include the problem, "Risk for falls" in a client's plan of care? Reference Range: Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)]

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

During the shift change report, the nurse is told that a client has a stage 2 pressure injury. Which ulcer appearance is most likely to be observed?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client's spouse has just learned of the client's terminal illness. The spouse is sitting in the corner of the client's room crying, and says to the nurse, "I feel as if I'm already so alone." Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The charge nurse is observing a new nurse administering care during new hire orientation at the hospital. Which activity by the new nurse indicates correct body movement and posture to reduce the risk for injury?

An elderly woman comes to the clinic because of vaginal bleeding. The healthcare provider finds a vagina tear, which the client reports is likely to have occurred during sexual intercourse. Which content is most important for the nurse to include in this client's teaching plan?

When preparing to change a client's sterile dressing, the nurse pours sterile solution over a package of gauze pads as seen in the picture. Which should the nurse do next?

After an IV antibiotic is started, the nurse determines that the medication is not prescribed for the client and stops the infusion. Which action should the nurse implement next?

An older adult client grimaces and demonstrates guarding behavior, but denies experiencing pain when asked by the nurse to rate the pain on a numeric scale. Which action should the nurse take next?

An older adult woman who lives alone talks with the clinic nurse about her fears of falling at home. Which interventions should the nurse suggest? Select all that apply.

When assessing a client's pain, the nurse determines the location and intensity of the pain. To gather data about the quality of the pain, which action should the nurse take?

While turning a client who recently suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), the nurse assesses for pressure areas and skin breakdown. The skin over the sacral area is intact with non- blanchable redness. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement for this immobile client?

Which assessment data reflects the need for the nurse to include the problem, "Risk for falls" in a client's plan of care?

Reference Range:

Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)]