A client with carotid stenosis has just discussed an upcoming surgery with the physician. The client tells the Practical Nurse (PN), “I wonder if I should let him cut my neck open?” Which nursing response is best?

Choice A reason: The nursing assistant is speaking in a normal tone is an action that the PN should not intervene in during communication with the client who is hearing impaired. Speaking in a normal tone can help the client to hear the natural variations and inflections of the voice, and to avoid distortion or confusion. Speaking in a high-pitched or

low-pitched tone can make the voice harder to hear or understand, especially if the client has a hearing loss in a specific frequency range. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice B reason: The nursing assistant is facing the client while speaking is an action that the PN should not intervene in during communication with the client who is hearing impaired. Facing the client while speaking can help the client to see the facial expressions and lip movements of the speaker, and to enhance visual cues and feedback. Facing away from the client while speaking can make the voice muffled or unclear, and can interfere with eye contact or rapport. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: The nursing assistant is speaking directly into the impaired ear is an action that the PN should intervene in during communication with the client who is hearing impaired. Speaking directly into the impaired ear can create an uncomfortable or unnatural position for the client and the speaker, and interfere with eye contact or facial expressions. Speaking directly into the impaired ear can also create a loud or distorted sound that may be unpleasant or painful for the client. Speaking face-to-face, and slightly toward the unaffected ear, can improve communication with a client who is hearing impaired. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: The nursing assistant is speaking clearly to the client is an action that the PN should not intervene in during communication with the client who is hearing impaired. Speaking clearly to the client can help the client to hear and understand the words and sentences of the speaker, and to avoid miscommunication or misunderstanding. Speaking unclearly to the client can make the voice garbled or incomprehensible, and can cause frustration or confusion. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice A reason: Client O2 saturation will be maintained at 95% the entire day is an example of an expected outcome that adheres to accepted criteria. An expected outcome is a measurable and realistic goal that the client should achieve as a result of the nursing interventions. Accepted criteria for writing expected outcomes include being client- centered, specific, observable, measurable, time-limited, and realistic. This outcome meets all these criteria, as it focuses on the client’s condition, states a specific value and time frame, and can be observed and measured.

Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice B reason: Client will observe safety guidelines while smoking is not an example of an expected outcome that adheres to accepted criteria. This outcome is not specific, observable, or measurable, as it does not state what the safety guidelines are, how they will be observed, or how they will be evaluated. It is also not realistic, as smoking is a harmful behavior that should be discouraged or eliminated, not made safer. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: PN will assess vital signs every day is not an example of an expected outcome that adheres to accepted criteria. This outcome is not client-centered, as it focuses on the nurse’s action, not the client’s condition or response. It is also not an outcome, but rather an intervention or activity that the nurse will perform to monitor the client’s status. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Client will take part in one activity daily for the next 90 days is an example of an expected outcome that adheres to accepted criteria. This outcome is client-centered, specific, observable, measurable, time-limited, and realistic, as it focuses on the client’s participation, states a specific frequency and duration, and can be observed and measured. It also implies a positive change in the client’s behavior or lifestyle that may improve their health or well- being. Therefore, this choice is correct.