The home health nurse assesses an older adult client and observes possible signs of abuse.
Which resource should the nurse use to guide their decision regarding reporting these suspicions?

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale

While reinforcing instructions can boost a patient’s self-confidence, it may not be effective for an elderly patient with Parkinson’s disease who is unable to administer ophthalmic medication due to hand tremors. The physical limitation caused by the tremors may not be overcome by further instruction.

Choice B rationale

If a family member is available and willing to administer the medication, this could be an effective solution. The family member can be trained to administer the medication correctly, ensuring the patient receives their necessary treatment.

Choice C rationale

While obtaining a prescription for a visiting nurse to administer the medication twice a day could ensure the patient receives their medication, it may not be the most practical or cost- effective solution. It also depends on the availability of such services in the patient’s area.

Choice D rationale

Documenting the patient’s inability to administer the medication without assistance is important for record-keeping and communicating with other healthcare providers. However, it does not address the immediate issue of ensuring the patient receives their necessary medication.

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale

While ensuring safe drinking water is important during a disaster, it may not be the most important content for a community health nurse to include in a disaster management class in a Gulf Coast town that caters to tourists.

Choice B rationale

Knowing available evacuation routes from the town is crucial during a disaster. However, in a Gulf Coast town that caters to tourists, the most significant threat is likely to be hurricanes.

Choice C rationale

Given the geographical location of the Gulf Coast town, hurricane preparedness for families and businesses is the most important content to include in the class. Hurricanes are a common natural disaster in this area, and being prepared can help reduce the impact of such events.

Choice D rationale

While it’s important to know what actions to take during a tornado, tornadoes are not as common as hurricanes in Gulf Coast towns. Therefore, hurricane preparedness would be more relevant to include in the class.