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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The walker should be adjusted to the client's height so that their elbows are slightly flexed when grasping the hand bars. This allows for proper weight-bearing and reduces strain on the shoulders and arms. Using a walker that is the correct height can help to prevent falls by providing better stability and support.
B. Removing the wheels from the walker would make it difficult for the client to use. The wheels are an important feature of a walker, as they allow the client to move more easily.
C. While demonstrating more coordinated movement may be helpful, it's not the most immediate action needed. Adjusting the height of the walker is a more important step to ensure the client's safety and comfort.
D. Encouraging the client to continue using the walker as observed may not be appropriate if the walker is not adjusted to the correct height. A properly adjusted walker is essential for safe and effective mobility.

A. Ask the client to describe the pain experienced. B. Provide the client with a visual analog scale. C. Instruct the client in use of a numeric pain scale. D. Gently palpate the area and observe the response.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Asking the client to describe the pain is the most direct way to gather information about the quality of the pain. This approach allows the client to express characteristics such as whether the pain is sharp, dull, burning, aching, throbbing, or stabbing.
B. A visual analog scale (VAS) is useful for assessing the intensity of pain, not the quality. The VAS typically involves a line with endpoints representing no pain and worst possible pain, where the client marks their pain level.
C. The numeric pain scale is designed to measure the intensity of pain on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 represents the worst pain imaginable. Like the VAS, this scale assesses pain intensity rather than quality.
D. Palpation and observing the client's response can help assess the location and intensity of pain, particularly if there are physical findings associated with the pain. However, this method does not provide information about the pain’s quality, such as its character or nature.

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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

A client is ambulating with a two wheeled walker by rolling the walker forward and then moving each foot forward. The nurse notes that the client's elbows are slightly flexed when grasping the hand bar. After the client returns to the chair, which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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?

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)]

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The nurse identifies the hospitalized client in which situation as being at highest risk for the development of a healthcare associated infection (HAI)?

The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) tells the nurse that an older client has requested powder applied after a tub bath to relieve itchy dry skin. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the UAP?

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)]