A nurse administers an antihypertensive medication to a patient at the scheduled time of 0900. The nursing assistant then reports to the nurse that the patient's blood pressure was low when it was taken at 0830. The patient begins to complain of feeling dizzy and light-headed. The blood pressure is re-checked and it has dropped even lower. The nurse first made an error in what phase of the nursing process?

Choice A reason: Fall prevention is the most important safety measure for an elderly client with osteoporosis, as falls can result in fractures and other complications. The nurse should assess the client's risk factors for falls, such as impaired vision, balance, or mobility, and implement interventions to reduce them, such as providing adequate lighting, removing clutter, and using assistive devices.

Choice B reason: Pressure injury prevention is also important for an elderly client, but not as crucial as fall prevention for a client with osteoporosis. Pressure injuries are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, especially over bony prominences. The nurse should reposition the client frequently, use pressure-relieving devices, and monitor the skin for signs of breakdown.

Choice C reason: Cognitive impairment prevention is not a specific safety measure for an elderly client with osteoporosis, although it may affect the client's ability to follow instructions and adhere to treatment. Cognitive impairment may be caused by various factors, such as dementia, delirium, or medication side effects. The nurse should assess the client's mental status, provide orientation and stimulation, and manage any underlying causes.

Choice D reason: Functional decline prevention is not a specific safety measure for an elderly client with osteoporosis, although it may affect the client's quality of life and independence. Functional decline may be caused by various factors, such as pain, weakness, or depression. The nurse should encourage the client to participate in physical and occupational therapy, promote self-care activities, and provide emotional support.

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because the RN as a teacher aims to promote health literacy, self-management, and shared decision-making among patients and their families. By helping people to become empowered to take care of their health, the RN can facilitate positive health outcomes and prevent complications.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because the RN as a teacher does not focus on explaining what nurses do, but rather on educating patients about their health conditions, treatments, and self-care. While it is important for the patient to understand the role of the nurse, this is not the main goal of teaching.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because the RN as a teacher does not limit teaching to discharge instructions. Teaching is an ongoing process that starts from admission and continues throughout the continuum of care. Discharge instructions are only one component of teaching that summarizes the key information and actions that the patient needs to follow after leaving the hospital.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because the RN as a teacher does not aim to teach patients how to give themselves treatments to get them out of the hospital quicker, but rather to help them achieve optimal health and wellness. Teaching patients how to give themselves treatments is part of the skill development aspect of teaching, but it is not the main goal. The main goal is to help patients understand the rationale, benefits, and risks of their treatments, and to support them in adhering to their treatment plans.