A nurse is collecting data from a client who has pernicious anemia.
The nurse should identify that which of the following findings increases the client's risk for injury?

The correct answers are C and D.

Choice A reason: Preferred bath time is a personal preference and comfort-related aspect of patient care. While it is important for overall patient satisfaction and care planning, it is not critical information for a change-of-shift report following a total knee arthroscopy. The focus in such reports is typically on clinical status, immediate care needs, and potential complications.

Choice B reason: Admission vital signs are the initial measurements taken upon the patient’s admission to the healthcare facility. These are baseline values that can be referenced later to note any significant changes. However, for a change-of-shift report, especially 2 days postoperative, the most current vital signs and any changes since surgery are more pertinent than the admission values.

Choice C reason: The time of the last pain medication is crucial information for a change-of-shift report. Pain management is a key aspect of postoperative care, particularly after procedures like total knee arthroscopy. Knowing when the last dose was administered helps the incoming nurse manage the patient’s pain effectively and anticipate when the next dose is due.

Choice D reason: The steps required for dressing change are essential to include in the change-of-shift report. Proper wound care and dressing changes are vital to prevent infection and ensure proper healing after surgery. Detailed instructions on the dressing change process help maintain consistency in care between different caregivers.

Choice A rationale:

"Determine the client's ability to use the call light." - This is the correct answer. Assessing the client's ability to use the call light is the first step in fall prevention. If the client can effectively use the call light, they can request assistance when needed, reducing the risk of falls. It's essential to assess their communication and mobility abilities.

Choice B rationale:

"Create a schedule with an assistive personnel to do hourly rounding for the client." - While hourly rounding is a valuable fall prevention strategy, assessing the client's ability to use the call light should be the initial step to ensure immediate access to help. Rounding can complement this measure.

Choice C rationale:

"Move the bedside table with the client's personal items close to the bed." - While ensuring the client's personal items are within reach is important for their comfort and convenience, it is not the first step in fall prevention. Assessing the client's ability to request assistance takes precedence.

Choice D rationale:

"Apply rubber-soled slippers before ambulation." - Providing appropriate footwear is important for fall prevention, but it is not the first precaution to implement. Assessing the client's ability to use the call light and communicate their needs comes before addressing ambulation.