A nurse is educating an older adult client at risk for osteoporosis on starting a regular physical activity program. Which type of activity should the nurse recommend?

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice C rationale: Assessing the patient for orthostatic hypotension is crucial because patients who can only bear weight on one leg may have compromised balance and stability. Orthostatic hypotension, or a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, could lead to dizziness or fainting, increasing the risk of falls and injury. Identifying this condition before transferring the patient ensures appropriate interventions can be taken to maintain safety and prevent accidents. The nurse can then apply necessary precautions such as additional support or slow, gradual position changes to minimize the risk.

Choice A rationale: Rocking the patient up to a standing position might help initiate the transfer, but it’s not the immediate priority after securing a safe environment. Ensuring the patient's stability and monitoring their vital signs, especially for orthostatic hypotension, is essential before attempting any movement.

Choice B rationale: Pivoting on the foot that is the farthest from the chair is part of the transfer technique, but it should only be performed after confirming the patient is stable and not at risk of orthostatic hypotension. Proper assessment precedes this step to prevent potential falls.

Choice D rationale: Applying a gait belt to the patient is important for safe transfer, but again, this step follows the assessment of the patient's condition. The gait belt is an aid for the transfer process, but its effectiveness relies on the patient's ability to stand without becoming dizzy or faint.

Choice A rationale

A lesion with uniform pigmentation is not typically a sign of skin malignancy. Most benign moles are uniform in color, including shades of tan, brown, and black.

Choice B rationale

The new appearance of petechiae, or small, pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin, is not typically associated with skin cancer. Petechiae can be a sign of a number of conditions, including certain infections, low platelet count, or certain medications.

Choice C rationale

A mole with an asymmetrical appearance is a potential indication of skin malignancy. Asymmetry, where one half of the mole does not match the other, is one of the ABCDEs (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, and Evolving size, shape, or color) of melanoma detection.

Choice D rationale

The presence of a papule, a small, raised bump on the skin, is not necessarily indicative of skin cancer. Papules can be a sign of many different skin conditions, including acne, skin infections, or dermatitis.