A nurse is caring for an adolescent.
Admission Assessment
1400:

• Adolescent brought to emergency department by parents following a fall while skateboarding.
• Adolescent reports pain in their right leg as 10 on a scale of 0 to 10 and is unable to bear weight.
• Adolescent is awake, alert, and oriented x 3. Lungs clear, respirations even and regular. S1 and S2 with regular rate and rhythm.
• Abdomen soft and nontender with active bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
• Right lower extremity with open wound and displaced bone.
• Right lower extremity pulse +1, extremity cool to touch, edema present, capillary refill 4 seconds.

Select the 4 findings that require follow-up.

A. Correct. Difficulty performing ADLs such as dressing, grooming, bathing, or feeding may indicate that the client has impaired motor function, sensory perception, or cognitive ability due to the stroke, which can affect their independence and quality of life. Occupational therapy can help the client regain or adapt their skills and abilities for daily living.

B. Incorrect. Inability to swallow clear liquids may indicate that the client has dysphagia or impaired swallowing function due to the stroke, which can increase their risk of aspiration and malnutrition. Speech therapy can help the client improve their swallowing function and provide recommendations for safe oral intake.

C. Incorrect. Elevated blood glucose levels may indicate that the client has diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose metabolism due to the stroke, which can affect their healing and recovery process and increase their risk of complications such as infection or hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia episodes. Diabetes education and management can help the client control their blood glucose levels and prevent adverse outcomes.

D. Incorrect. Unsteady gait when ambulating may indicate that the client has impaired balance, coordination, or muscle strength due to the stroke, which can affect their mobility and safety and increase their risk of falls or injuries. Physical therapy can help the client improve their gait and mobility and provide assistive devices if needed.

Choice A reason:

"Use a cane when walking to maintain your balance" is the correct statement Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system, leading to various neurological symptoms. Mobility and balance issues are common among individuals with MS, and using a cane can be helpful in providing stability and support while walking. It can also reduce the risk of falls and improve the client's overall safety and confidence when ambulating.

Choice B reason:

"Plan to take a hot bath once a week to reduce stress” is not appropriate statement. Heat sensitivity is a common symptom in individuals with MS, and exposure to heat, such as hot baths or saunas, can exacerbate MS symptoms. It is generally advisable for individuals with MS to avoid excessive heat exposure as it can worsen fatigue and other neurological symptoms.

Choice C reason:

"Engage in a rigorous exercise program to maintain muscle tone" is not appropriate. While exercise is beneficial for individuals with MS, particularly in maintaining muscle strength and flexibility, it is essential to avoid a rigorous or overly strenuous exercise program. High-intensity exercise may lead to increased fatigue and exacerbation of MS symptoms. A personalized exercise plan that considers the individual's specific abilities and limitations is recommended.

Choice D reason

"Place a scatter rug in your bathroom to prevent falling" is not appropriate statement. Placing a scatter rug in the bathroom is not advisable, especially for individuals with mobility and balance issues like those with MS. Scatter rugs can create tripping hazards and increase the risk of falls. It is essential to keep the bathroom floor clear and use non-slip mats to improve safety.