At a prenatal visit, a primigravida client confides to the practical nurse (PN) that her partner is abusive. Which information should the PN provide?

The correct answer is Choice A:

"Determine home navigational safety hazards.”. Choice A rationale:

The PN should first assess the client's home for safety hazards that may be contributing to the client's unsteadiness and increased fall risk. Identifying and addressing these hazards can help create a safer environment for the client and potentially prevent accidents.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to obtain a medical alert device is not the immediate priority in this situation. Addressing the client's safety and identifying potential hazards should be the first step before considering additional measures like medical alert devices.

Choice C rationale:

Recommending that the client obtain a walker is premature without first assessing the home

environment and determining if there are any correctable safety issues. The PN should prioritize safety assessment before recommending any assistive devices.

Choice D rationale:

While maintaining the client's privacy is important, it is not the most urgent action in this scenario. The priority is to assess the client's safety and identify potential hazards in the home. Privacy concerns can be addressed afterward.

The correct answer is choice D. Apply a pain scale to describe intensity.

Choice A rationale:

Asking about elements of the pain experience is important for a comprehensive pain assessment, but it is not the most critical aspect immediately after administering an analgesic. This step is more relevant during the initial assessment to understand the nature and characteristics of the pain.

Choice B rationale:

Questioning the client about precipitating factors can help identify what triggers the pain, which is useful for long-term pain management strategies. However, this is not the primary focus after giving an analgesic, as the immediate goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of the pain relief.

Choice C rationale:

Locating where in the body the pain occurs is essential for diagnosing and understanding the pain’s origin. However, after administering an analgesic, the priority is to assess the change in pain intensity rather than its location.

Choice D rationale:

Applying a pain scale to describe intensity is crucial after giving an analgesic because it provides a quantifiable measure of the pain relief achieved. This helps in determining the effectiveness of the medication and guides further pain management interventions.

By focusing on the pain intensity using a standardized pain scale, the practical nurse can objectively evaluate the patient’s response to the analgesic and make informed decisions about any additional pain management needs.