An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is assigned to feed a client who has received a prescription to institute droplet precautions for a bacterial meningitis infection. The UAP requests a change in assignment, reporting having not yet been fitted for a particulate filter mask. Which action should the nurse take?

A. Initiate a fall risk protocol for the client:

Initiating a fall risk protocol may be premature based solely on observations of an upright posture and a smooth, steady gait. While falls are a significant concern in older adults, these observations suggest that the client currently exhibits good balance and mobility, which may not warrant immediate initiation of a fall risk protocol. Fall risk assessments typically involve a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors beyond posture and gait, such as medical history, medications, cognitive status, and environmental factors.

B. Teach the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls:

Teaching the client to shorten their stride to prevent falls may not be necessary based on the observed smooth and steady gait. Shortening the stride is often recommended for individuals who exhibit signs of imbalance or instability during walking. However, in this scenario, the client demonstrates a smooth and steady gait, suggesting that their current gait pattern is effective and does not pose an immediate risk of falling.

C. Determine the client's activity tolerance:

Assessing the client's activity tolerance is an appropriate next step in the nursing process. While the observed upright posture and smooth, steady gait are positive indicators of mobility, understanding the client's overall activity tolerance provides valuable insight into their functional capacity and ability to perform activities of daily living safely. This assessment helps tailor care interventions to meet the client's individual needs and promotes optimal independence and quality of life.

D. Record the client's ability to perform ADLs safely:

Documenting the client's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) safely is an essential component of nursing assessment and documentation. However, it may not be the most immediate action to take following the observation of an upright posture and smooth, steady gait. While documenting findings is important for maintaining accurate records and facilitating communication among healthcare team members, further assessment of the client's activity tolerance would provide additional context for documenting their functional status accurately.

A. Encourage the use of incontinence briefs:

While incontinence briefs may help contain fecal leakage and protect clothing and bedding, they do not address the underlying issue of fecal incontinence or assist the client in achieving continence. Additionally, relying solely on incontinence briefs may not promote independence or improve the client's quality of life.

B. Assist to a bedside commode 30 minutes after meals:

This is the most appropriate intervention for establishing a bowel training regimen. Timing the use of the bedside commode after meals takes advantage of the gastrocolic reflex, which increases bowel motility after eating. Assisting the client to the commode at specific intervals helps promote regular bowel movements and may decrease the likelihood of fecal incontinence episodes.

C. Administer a glycerin suppository 15 minutes after meals:

While glycerin suppositories can stimulate bowel movements, they are typically used for acute constipation rather than chronic fecal incontinence. Additionally, using suppositories does not address the client's emotional distress or help establish a bowel training regimen focused on promoting continence.

D. Insert a rectal tube at specified intervals:

Rectal tubes are not typically used as a first-line intervention for bowel training in clients with fecal incontinence. They may be indicated in certain situations, such as severe impaction or when other interventions have failed, but they are not appropriate for all clients and may cause discomfort and complications.