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.
Record the client’s ability to perform ADLs safely.
Determine the client’s activity tolerance.
Teach the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls.
Teach the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Initiating a fall risk protocol is not necessary when the client demonstrates an upright posture and a smooth, steady gait. Fall risk protocols are typically initiated when there are signs of instability or a history of falls.
Choice B rationale
Recording the client’s ability to perform ADLs safely is the appropriate action. This documentation provides a baseline for the client’s functional status and helps in planning further care. It also ensures that the client’s current abilities are noted for future reference.
Choice C rationale
Determining the client’s activity tolerance is important but not the immediate next step after observing a smooth and steady gait. This assessment can be done later to evaluate the client’s endurance and capacity for physical activities.
Choice D rationale
Teaching the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls is unnecessary when the client’s gait is already smooth and steady. This advice is more relevant for clients who show signs of instability or a tendency to fall.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Giving the client a hug and saying, “It is okay to cry when you are sad,” may be comforting, but it may also be seen as intrusive and not respecting the client’s personal space. Physical touch should be used cautiously and only when the nurse is certain that it is welcome and appropriate. Additionally, this response does not encourage the client to express their feelings or provide an opportunity for the nurse to understand the underlying cause of the client’s distress.
Choice B rationale
Saying, “I am sorry to disturb you at a difficult time. This can wait until later,” acknowledges the client’s distress but does not offer immediate support or an opportunity for the client to express their feelings. It may also give the impression that the nurse is not available to provide emotional support when needed.
Choice C rationale
While touching the client’s forearm, asking, “Would you like to talk about it?” is the best response as it shows empathy and offers the client an opportunity to express their feelings. This response respects the client’s personal space while also providing a gentle touch that can be comforting. It opens the door for communication and allows the nurse to provide emotional support and address any concerns the client may have.
Choice D rationale
Saying, “This is a bad time. I can see you are upset. I can come back later,” acknowledges the client’s distress but does not offer immediate support or an opportunity for the client to express their feelings. It may also give the impression that the nurse is not available to provide emotional support when needed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale
Good Samaritan immunity. The Good Samaritan laws are designed to protect individuals who provide assistance at the scene of an emergency from legal liability, provided they act in good faith and within the scope of their training. In this scenario, the nurse acted to help the victim and then left the scene after EMS arrived, which is generally protected under Good Samaritan laws.
Choice A rationale
Negligent acts of omission. Negligence would require proof that the nurse failed to act in a manner consistent with their training and that this failure directly caused harm to the victim. In this case, the nurse provided assistance and then left the scene after EMS arrived, which does not constitute negligence.
Choice B rationale
Criminal assault and battery. Assault and battery involve intentional harm or offensive contact, which is not applicable in this scenario as the nurse was providing assistance.
Choice D rationale
Abandonment of the victim. Abandonment would require that the nurse left the victim without ensuring that they were in the care of another competent individual. Since the nurse left after EMS arrived, this does not constitute abandonment.
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