A nurse is assisting a client with a visual impairment to use the restroom. Which of the following actions will the nurse take to prevent complications?
Increase her voice when speaking to the client
Lower the bed rails before lowering the bed
Use hand gestures to point to where the client will walk
Stand slightly in front and to one side of the client
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because increasing her voice when speaking to the client may not prevent complications, but rather annoy or offend the client. The nurse should not assume that a client with a visual impairment has a hearing impairment as well unless it is confirmed by assessment or history. The nurse should speak in a normal tone and volume and identify herself by name and role.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because lowering the bed rails before lowering the bed may increase the risk of complications, such as falls or injuries. The nurse should keep the bed rails up until the client is ready to get out of bed and lower them only when necessary. The nurse should also lock the wheels of the bed and adjust it to a comfortable height for the client.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because using hand gestures to point to where the client will walk may not prevent complications, but rather confuse or frustrate the client. The nurse should not use visual cues or gestures that are meaningless to a client with a visual impairment. The nurse should use verbal directions and descriptions instead, such as "The restroom is on your left, about 10 steps away."
Choice D reason: This is correct because standing slightly in front and to one side of the client can prevent complications, such as collisions or falls. The nurse should guide the client by offering her arm or shoulder for support and walking slightly ahead of him or her. The nurse should also warn the client about any obstacles or changes in terrain, such as stairs, doors, or rugs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because right-sided homonymous hemianopsia means that the client has lost vision in the right half of both eyes, so placing food trays on the left side of the client will help them see and access their food better.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because placing food trays on the right side of the client will make it harder for them to see and reach their food, as they have no vision on that side.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because performing a focused visual exam is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take during meal time. The nurse should assess the client's vision before or after meals, but not interfere with their eating.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because having the assistive personnel feed all meals to the client will decrease their independence and dignity, as well as their ability to practice using their unaffected side. The nurse should encourage and assist the client to feed themselves as much as possible, and only provide assistance when needed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is the correct choice because a complete spinal cord injury is a condition where there is no motor or sensory function below the level of injury. The client will have paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia) and loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function. The client will also have impaired thermoregulation, breathing, and blood pressure. The client will need 24-hour a day care to assist with mobility, hygiene, elimination, nutrition, and prevention of complications.
Choice B) Reason: This is incorrect because a client who is able to assist with transfer and perform self-care has a partial spinal cord injury, not a complete one. A partial spinal cord injury is a condition where there is some motor or sensory function below the level of injury. The degree of impairment depends on the extent and location of the damage.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because a client who is able to roll over independently has a lower spinal cord injury, not a complete one. A lower spinal cord injury is a condition where there is damage to the lumbar or sacral segments of the spinal cord. The client will have paralysis of the lower limbs (paraplegia) and some loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function. The client will still have some control over the upper limbs and trunk.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because a client who is able to drive an electric wheelchair has an upper spinal cord injury, not a complete one. An upper spinal cord injury is a condition where there is damage to the cervical or thoracic segments of the spinal cord. The client will have paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia) and loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function. However, the client may still have some movement or sensation in the shoulders, arms, or hands.
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