The nurse assesses an older adult client's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). When observing the client ambulate, the nurse notes that the client's posture is upright, and the gait is smooth and steady. Which action should the nurse take next?

Initiate a fall risk protocol for the client.

Teach the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls.

Determine the client's activity tolerance.

Record the client's ability to perform ADLS safely.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. After each instruction, ask if the client understands:

While checking for understanding after each instruction is important, it may not accurately assess the client's ability to perform wound care independently. Verbal confirmation does not ensure competency in wound care techniques.

B. Have an interpreter repeat the wound care instructions:

Having an interpreter repeat the wound care instructions may help ensure accurate communication, but it does not assess the client's ability to perform the wound care independently.

C. Provide written instructions in the client's native language:

Providing written instructions in the client's native language can be helpful for reference, but it may not effectively assess the client's understanding or ability to perform the wound care.

D. Have the client demonstrate prescribed wound care:

This is the most appropriate method for evaluating the client's understanding of self-care at home. Having the client demonstrate wound care techniques allows the nurse to directly observe the client's competency in performing the necessary tasks. It provides a practical assessment of the client's ability to independently manage wound care post-discharge. If the client is unable to demonstrate the procedure correctly, the nurse can provide additional education and support as needed.

A. Provide a numeric pain scale. B. Observe body language and movement. C. Ask the client to describe the pain. D. Identify effective pain relief measures.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Provide a numeric pain scale:

While a numeric pain scale can help quantify the intensity of pain, it does not directly assess the quality or characteristics of the pain, which is important for identifying potential causes and selecting appropriate interventions.

B. Observe body language and movement:

Observing body language and movement can provide valuable information about the client's pain experience, but it primarily assesses the behavior associated with pain rather than the quality or characteristics of the pain itself.

C. Ask the client to describe the pain:

This approach allows the client to provide subjective information about the pain, including its quality, location, intensity, duration, and aggravating or alleviating factors. Asking the client to describe the pain helps the nurse gain insight into its characteristics, which can aid in identifying the underlying cause and determining appropriate interventions.

D. Identify effective pain relief measures:

Identifying effective pain relief measures is important for managing the client's pain, but it does not directly assess the quality or characteristics of the pain. Before implementing pain relief measures, it's essential to understand the nature of the pain through client self-report or other assessment methods.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

The nurse assesses an older adult client's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). When observing the client ambulate, the nurse notes that the client's posture is upright, and the gait is smooth and steady. Which action should the nurse take next?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who had emergency gallbladder surgery yesterday is getting ready for discharge. The client speaks very little English. When teaching wound care, which method should the nurse use to evaluate the client's understanding of self care at home?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a client who is having pain of the right upper abdominal area. To assess the quality of the client's abdominal pain, which approach should the nurse use?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse in a skilled nursing facility observes a colleague leaving printed electronic medical record (EMR) copies of a client unattended on a counter top. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse is teaching a client about a newly prescribed medication. To confirm that the client is learning the critical information, which strategy is most important for the nurse to include during the instruction?

The nurse is caring for a client with a history of neuropathy who reports increasing numbness and tingling in the lower extremities. Which problem should the nurse determine is the priority for promoting foot care at this time?

A client with chronic fecal Incontinence is crying because of being embarrassed for not getting to the bathroom in time to avoid soiling the bed and clothing. When establishing a bowel training regimen, which Intervention should the nurse Implement?

The nurse is interviewing a client with lower abdominal pain and dysuria, and needs to question the client about sexual activity. Which approach is best for the nurse to use?

A hospitalized client who has an advance directive and healthcare power of attorney is receiving enteral nutrition through a nasogastric (NG) tube. The client vomits and appears to be choking. Which action should the nurse take?

The nurse observes the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) securing a client's wrist restraints to the bedside rails. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?