A patient is admitted with a stroke. The outcome of this disorder is uncertain, but the patient is unable to move the right arm and leg. The nurse starts passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises. Which finding Indicates successful goal achievement?

A) The client is a male: While gender can influence the risk of certain health conditions, being male is not generally considered a major risk factor for acquiring a health care-associated infection (HAI). Other factors, such as age, immune status, and recent surgical procedures, are more directly linked to HAI risk.

B) The client is 71 years old: Older adults are at a higher risk for acquiring healthcare-associated infections due to age-related changes in the immune system, decreased skin integrity, and the likelihood of having multiple chronic conditions. The decreased immune response in elderly individuals makes them more susceptible to infections, including those acquired in healthcare settings.

C) The client had an appendectomy 6 months ago: While past surgeries can contribute to the risk of infections, the fact that the client had an appendectomy 6 months ago does not directly indicate a current risk for acquiring an HAI. Typically, the risk of postoperative infections decreases over time as the wound heals, especially if the surgery occurred months ago.

D) The client has bipolar disorder: Although bipolar disorder can affect a person's mental health and compliance with medical treatments, it is not a direct risk factor for acquiring a healthcare-associated infection. The focus in HAI risk assessment is generally on physical health factors such as age, immune status, surgical history, and other clinical factors rather than mental health conditions.

A. Provide support by holding the client’s arm:
While holding the client's arm may seem like a way to prevent the fall, it can actually increase the risk of injury, as the nurse might not be able to support the client’s full weight and could cause additional strain or injury. In the event of a fall, it is safer to focus on guiding the client gently to the floor.

B. Assume a narrow base of support:
Assuming a narrow base of support could make the nurse more vulnerable to losing balance as well. A broader base of support, such as standing with feet shoulder-width apart, provides better stability, but this action does not directly address the client’s fall.

C. Lean the client toward the wall:
Leaning the client toward the wall may be helpful in some situations but does not directly prevent a fall. It may not be safe or feasible depending on the environment, and leaning the client toward a wall might cause further harm if not executed carefully.

D. Lower the client to the floor:
When a client begins to fall, the priority is to prevent injury. The nurse should gently lower the client to the floor while maintaining control, guiding the fall as much as possible to minimize injury. This approach ensures the client is not at risk of further harm and that the nurse can then assess the client for injuries.