A nurse in a long-term care facility is collecting data for an interprofessional care conference for a client who has Parkinson's disease. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report at the conference?

A) Ensure the client wears nonskid slippers when walking around the house:

Wearing nonskid slippers can help improve traction and stability, reducing the risk of slips and falls, especially on smooth or slippery surfaces commonly found in homes. Ensuring the client wears nonskid slippers is a proactive measure to prevent falls.

B) Install a raised toilet seat in the client's bathroom:

A raised toilet seat can make it easier for older adults with mobility issues to sit down and stand up from the toilet safely. It reduces the distance the client needs to lower themselves, decreasing the risk of falls, especially for those with balance or strength limitations.

C) Encourage an annual review of the medications the client is taking:

Medication review is essential to identify any medications that may increase the risk of falls due to side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or orthostatic hypotension. An annual review ensures that any potential fall-inducing medications can be identified and addressed promptly.

D) Attach full-length side rails to the client's bed:

While side rails may prevent falls out of bed, they can also increase the risk of entrapment and injury. The use of side rails is controversial and should be based on individualized assessment and risk-benefit analysis. In many cases, alternative interventions to prevent falls should be considered before resorting to side rails.

E) Place throw rugs on uncarpeted floors in the client's home:

Throw rugs can be tripping hazards, especially for older adults with mobility issues. They can easily slip or bunch up, leading to falls. Removing throw rugs or securing them firmly to the floor is recommended to reduce the risk of falls in the home.

A) Assist in checking a unit of packed RBCS to administer to a client:

Assisting in checking a unit of packed red blood cells (RBCs) for transfusion is within the nurse's scope of practice. Nurses are responsible for verifying blood products before administration, ensuring compatibility, proper labeling, and appropriate handling to prevent transfusion reactions.

B) Regulate the client's infusion pump after initiating a heparin drip infusion:

Regulating the client's infusion pump after initiating a heparin drip infusion falls within the nurse's scope of practice. Nurses commonly administer and monitor intravenous medications, including heparin drips, and are responsible for regulating the infusion pump to deliver the medication at the prescribed rate.

C) Teach a client about hemodialysis:

Teaching a client about hemodialysis is within the nurse's scope of practice. Patient education is a fundamental aspect of nursing care, and nurses often provide information to clients and their families about various healthcare procedures, treatments, and self-care management, including hemodialysis.

D) Create a plan of care for a client's discharge:

Creating a plan of care for a client's discharge is within the nurse's scope of practice. Nurses are involved in discharge planning, which includes coordinating with the healthcare team, assessing the client's needs, providing education about post-discharge care, arranging follow-up appointments, and ensuring a smooth transition to the next level of care or home.