A nurse is discussing expected changes associated with aging with an older adult client. Which of the following client statements should indicate to the nurse that the client has an impaired body image?

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• A nasogastric tube: The client is experiencing nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, and absence of bowel sounds, which are indicative of a possible postoperative ileus or bowel obstruction. Inserting an NG tube will help to decompress the stomach, prevent further buildup of gastric contents, and reduce the risk of aspiration.
• An antiemetic medication: The client is reporting nausea and vomiting, which can impede recovery and cause discomfort. Administering an antiemetic medication would help alleviate these symptoms, improve the client's comfort, and prevent complications like dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• An indwelling urinary catheter: There is no indication of urinary retention or output issues that would require an indwelling catheter. The client has an adequate urinary output (480 mL in 8 hours), the use of a catheter could increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
• An oral airway: An oral airway is not necessary since the client is alert and oriented, with no signs of airway obstruction. The client is able to breathe adequately, and there is no indication of respiratory distress requiring airway support.
• A bladder scan: The client is not experiencing urinary retention or issues with bladder function. The urinary output is adequate, so a bladder scan is unnecessary at this time.
• Arterial blood gases: There is no indication of respiratory distress or acid-base imbalances that would require arterial blood gas analysis. The client's vital signs, including oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, are stable, and no signs of metabolic issues are present.

A. Place a vibrating tuning fork against the midline vertex of the client's head: The Weber test is performed by placing a vibrating tuning fork on the midline of the client's forehead or vertex of the head. This tests for lateralization of sound, helping to distinguish between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss based on which ear hears the sound louder.

B. Have the client repeat a phrase spoken by the nurse while the nurse's mouth is hidden: This action refers to the "speech discrimination test" rather than the Weber test. It is not part of the Weber test, which is specifically used to assess the lateralization of sound.

C. Whisper words for the client to identify: This refers to a different hearing test, called the "whisper test," used to assess hearing ability, not the Weber test. The Weber test specifically uses a tuning fork to assess how sound is heard by the client.

D. Ask the client to occlude one ear with a finger: While blocking one ear can be used in other tests (like Rinne's test), it is not necessary for the Weber test, which involves placing the tuning fork in the center of the head.