How is the term “health disparity” best defined?

Choice A reason: Organize the reperfusion recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) infusion is not the appropriate step, as it is a treatment for acute ischemic stroke, which has not been confirmed in this client. tPA is a clot-busting drug that can restore blood flow to the brain, but it has strict criteria and time window for its use. The nurse should not assume that the client has a stroke without further assessment and diagnosis.

Choice B reason: Determine symptom onset or when the fall occurred is not the appropriate step, as it is not the priority for this client. The nurse should first assess the client's vital signs, neurologic status, and potential injuries from the fall. The symptom onset or fall time may be relevant for the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause, but it is not the most urgent information to obtain.

Choice C reason: Arrange for a transfer immediately to the radiology department is not the appropriate step, as it is not the most immediate intervention for this client. The nurse should first stabilize the client's condition, perform a thorough assessment, and obtain orders from the medical provider. The radiology department may be needed for diagnostic tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but it is not the first destination for this client.

Choice D reason: Perform a comprehensive neurologic assessment is the appropriate step, as it can help identify the possible cause of the client's balance problem and rule out a stroke or other serious condition. A neurologic assessment includes checking the client's level of consciousness, orientation, speech, cranial nerve function, motor strength, sensory perception, coordination, and reflexes. The nurse should also monitor the client's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose levels.

Choice A reason: Older adult's self-report is a subjective measure of pain that may not reflect the actual intensity or quality of pain. It may also be influenced by factors such as cognitive impairment, mood, or cultural norms.

Choice B reason: FPSR stands for Face, Pain Scale-Revised, which is a tool to assess pain in infants and children who cannot verbalize their pain. It is not suitable for older adults, who may have different facial expressions or reactions to pain.

Choice C reason: Pain medication frequency is an indirect measure of pain that may not capture the effectiveness or side effects of pharmacotherapy. It may also vary depending on the type, dose, and route of administration of pain medication.

Choice D reason: Older adult's pain diary is a comprehensive and reliable measure of pain that can track the changes in pain level, quality, and location over time. It can also record the impact of pain on daily activities, mood, sleep, and quality of life. It can help the nurse to evaluate the outcomes of comfort measures and pharmacotherapy, and to adjust the pain management plan accordingly.