A nurse is caring for an older adult client newly admitted to the medical unit.
Click to highlight the pieces of information that indicate the client is at risk for falls. To deselect a piece of information, click on that piece of information again.
Nurses' Notes
1000:
An older adult client admitted following a fall down approximately five steps. Client's partner reports client possibly hit their head and was a little disoriented for a minute or two. Client states, "I feel fine. I just slipped." Client has a history of falls and orthostatic hypotension per client's partner. Client uses a walker and wears rubber-soled slippers at home. Client ordered new glasses following an eye exam last week but has not received them yet. Partner states they both do exercises that focus on coordination, three times per week.
Vital Signs
1000:
Temperature 37° C (98.6° F)
Heart rate 72/min Respiratory rate 20/min
Blood pressure
Lying: 130/90 mm Hg
Sitting: 128/88 mm Hg
Standing: 98/60 mm Hg
Oxygen saturation 97% on room air
admitted following a fall down approximately five steps
client possibly hit their head and was a little disoriented for a minute or two
history of falls and orthostatic hypotension per client's partner
uses a walker
Client ordered new glasses following an eye exam last week but has not received them yet
Lying: 130/90 mm Hg
Sitting: 128/88 mm Hg
Standing: 98/60 mm Hg
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F","G","H"]
The key pieces of information that indicate the client is at risk for falls include:
- Admitted following a fall down approximately five steps – Indicates a recent fall history.
- Client's partner reports client possibly hit their head and was a little disoriented for a minute or two – Suggests potential confusion or altered mental status.
- Client has a history of falls and orthostatic hypotension per client's partner – A significant risk factor for future falls.
- Client uses a walker – Indicates mobility impairment.
- Client ordered new glasses following an eye exam last week but has not received them yet – Vision impairment increases fall risk.
- Blood pressure: Lying: 130/90 mm Hg, Sitting: 128/88 mm Hg, Standing: 98/60 mm Hg – Orthostatic hypotension (drop in BP upon standing) can cause dizziness and falls.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Intensity of pain levels decrease as people age."
Pain perception does not necessarily decrease with age. Older adults experience pain similarly to younger individuals, but they may express it differently.
B. "The client is less likely to respond to analgesics." Older adults respond to analgesics, but they may be more sensitive to certain medications due to age-related physiological changes. Appropriate dosing and monitoring are essential.
C. "Pain is an expected finding for an older adult." Pain is not a normal part of aging. While some chronic conditions associated with aging can cause pain, it should always be assessed and treated appropriately.
D. "The client may under-report their pain intensity."
Older adults may under-report pain due to factors such as fear of being a burden, belief that pain is a normal part of aging, or concerns about medication side effects. Nurses should use appropriate pain assessment tools to evaluate and address their pain effectively.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Rest the client's left arm over their chest." Keeping the affected arm across the chest can lead to contractures and shoulder adduction deformities. Instead, the arm should be supported in a neutral position with pillows or a sling to prevent complications.
B. "Apply an orthotic boot to the client's left foot." Clients with hemiplegia are at risk for foot drop due to muscle weakness or paralysis. An orthotic boot helps maintain proper foot alignment, prevents contractures, and promotes mobility.
C. "Place a thick pillow behind the client's head to increase cervical flexion." Excessive cervical flexion can lead to poor airway alignment and discomfort. Instead, the client’s head should be in a neutral, midline position with proper support.
D. "Instruct the client to lean toward the left side when ambulating to avoid falls." Leaning toward the affected (weaker) side increases the risk of imbalance and falls. Instead, the client should be encouraged to maintain proper posture and use assistive devices (e.g., cane, walker) for stability.
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