A home health nurse is assessing the home environment of an older adult client who has osteoporosis. For which of the following findings should the nurse intervene?

A.Swollen tongue: Swelling of the tongue can indicate an allergic reaction, which could progress to a severe condition known as anaphylaxis. Immediate intervention is necessary.

B. Heart rate: While the heart rate is not directly mentioned in the notes, an increase in heart rate could be a physiological response to an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Monitoring heart rate is crucial in assessing the severity of the reaction.

C. Bilateral breath sounds with scattered wheezing upon auscultation: Wheezing indicates a potential respiratory issue, and when associated with itching, urticaria, and swelling, it suggests an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Prompt intervention is needed.

D. Blood pressure: Although blood pressure is important to monitor, it is not directly mentioned in the nurses' notes. However, if anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction is suspected, blood pressure can be affected, and it should be monitored.

E. Temperature: Fever is not mentioned in the notes, and the information provided suggests an immediate allergic reaction rather than an infectious process. Monitoring temperature is generally important but may not be a priority in this specific context.

F.Urticaria (hives): Hives are a sign of an allergic reaction and, when accompanied by other symptoms like swelling, require immediate attention.

A. Administer the client's medications one at a time:

This is the correct action. Administering medications one at a time allows the nurse to monitor the client's ability to swallow each medication safely. It minimizes the risk of aspiration and ensures that each medication is swallowed effectively.

B. Encourage the client to use a straw to take the medications:

Using a straw may not be recommended for clients with dysphagia, as it can alter the normal swallowing process and increase the risk of aspiration. The focus should be on safe administration of medications without compromising the client's ability to swallow.

C. Give the client's medications between meals:

The timing of medication administration is important, but the priority is the safe administration of medications, especially for clients with dysphagia. Administering medications between meals may not directly address the safety concerns related to swallowing.

D. Assist the client into semi-Fowler's position:

While positioning is important, especially for clients with dysphagia, the administration of medications one at a time (Option A) takes precedence in ensuring the safety of the client's swallowing. Semi-Fowler's position may be beneficial, but it is not the primary action related to medication administration.