A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a hearing aid.Which of the following actions should the nurse take when the client reports hearing a whistling sound from the hearing aid?

Choice A rationale

Standing with the crutch tips against the feet is incorrect. Proper crutch placement involves positioning the crutches slightly forward and to the side of the feet to provide stability and prevent tripping.

Choice B rationale

Bearing weight on the unaffected leg is the correct instruction for using the three-point gait. This technique allows the client to move the crutches and the affected leg together while bearing weight on the unaffected leg, promoting balance and mobility.

Choice C rationale

Keeping the crutches at the level of the axillae is incorrect. Crutches should be positioned with a 1-2 inch gap below the axillae to prevent nerve damage and ensure proper support.

Choice D rationale

Holding the arms straight when walking is incorrect. The elbows should be slightly bent to allow for comfortable movement and better control of the crutches.

Choice A rationale:

While hoarseness can be a symptom of aspiration pneumonia, it is not a direct cause. Hoarseness alone does not necessarily lead to aspiration pneumonia.

Choice B rationale:

Coughing when eating is a direct risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. Coughing indicates that food or liquid may be entering the airway, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia.

Choice C rationale:

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) can be a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia, but in this case, the client's symptoms (coughing when eating and hoarseness) are more directly associated with aspiration pneumonia.

Choice D rationale:

While coughing when eating can be a symptom of dysphagia, the primary concern here is the risk of aspiration pneumonia due to the same symptom.