A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is assessing a client who has had a stroke. For which of the following findings should the nurse initiate a referral for occupational therapy?

Choice Arationale:

Allowing the client to eat meals in his room might not be the best approach. Patients with anorexia nervosa often have distorted body image and may engage in secretive behaviors related to food intake. Supervised meals and observation during and after meals are essential to prevent behaviors like purging.

Choice B rationale:

Weighing the client every 48 hours is not frequent enough for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Daily weight monitoring is crucial in these cases because rapid weight loss or fluctuations can indicate worsening malnutrition, dehydration, or other medical complications.

Choice Crationale:

Obtaining vital signs every other day might not provide an accurate picture of the client's overall health status, especially during the critical early phase of care. In anorexia nervosa, patients are at risk of severe complications such as electrolyte imbalances, cardiac issues, and malnutrition, which can rapidly change and require close monitoring.

Choice D rationale:

Observing the client for 1 hour after meals is a crucial nursing intervention for individuals with anorexia nervosa. After meals, these patients are at risk of engaging in purging behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise to compensate for caloric intake. Close observation can help prevent these behaviors and ensure the client's safety.

Allow for frequent rest periods throughout the day.

• A. Perform ADLs for the client to promote rest. This is incorrect because performing ADLs for the client can increase their dependence and decrease their self-esteem. The nurse should encourage the client to perform ADLs as much as possible, with assistance as needed, to maintain their function and mobility.
• B. Allow for frequent rest periods throughout the day. This is correct because rest periods can help reduce fatigue and pain, as well as prevent joint damage and inflammation. The nurse should balance rest and activity for the client and avoid overexertion.
• C. Use heat to reduce joint inflammation. This is incorrect because heat can increase inflammation and pain in acute rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should use cold applications to reduce swelling and inflammation in acute episodes, and use heat for chronic stiffness and pain. - D. Develop a daily schedule for acetaminophen up to 6 g/day that covers peak periods of pain. This is incorrect because acetaminophen has a maximum daily dose of 4 g/day, and exceeding this dose can cause liver toxicity. The nurse should monitor the client's liver function and use other analgesics as prescribed.