Which assessment data reflects the need for the nurse to include the problem, "Risk for falls" in a client's plan of care?

Reference Range:

Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)]

Recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL (160 g/L).

Opioid analgesic received one hour ago.

Expressed feelings of depression.

Stooped posture with a steady gait.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   A serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL (160 g/L) is within the normal reference range for adults (14 to 18 g/dL). Hemoglobin levels that are within the normal range generally do not indicate a direct risk for falls. Low hemoglobin (anemia) could potentially increase fall risk due to fatigue or dizziness, but a normal level is not a risk factor for falls.
B.   Opioid analgesics are known to have side effects such as sedation, dizziness, and impaired motor coordination, which can increase the risk of falls. The recent administration of opioids makes this a significant factor in assessing fall risk, as the client may still be experiencing side effects from the medication that could impair their balance or cognitive function.
C.   Depression can contribute to fall risk in several ways, including reduced motivation to engage in activities, decreased physical strength, and impaired attention. However, while important to address, depression alone is not as immediate or direct a risk factor for falls compared to factors like recent medication side effects or actual physical impairments.
D.   Stooped posture may be indicative of issues such as musculoskeletal problems or balance difficulties. However, if the client has a steady gait, it suggests that despite the stooped posture, their current ability to walk is stable. The stooped posture alone might increase fall risk over time, but it is not as directly related to the immediate risk of falls as recent medication effects.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. High doses of fish oil can indeed increase the risk of bleeding, particularly because fish oil has anticoagulant properties that can interfere with blood clotting. This risk is especially significant if the client is also taking other anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
B. While it is true that fish can be heart-healthy due to its omega-3 fatty acids, this statement does not fully address the concerns about the safety of high doses of fish oil supplements. Eating fish in moderate amounts is beneficial, but the focus here is on the effects of large doses of fish oil supplements, not just consuming fish. The safety of high doses should be considered separately.
C. Encouraging the client to increase the dose of fish oil is not appropriate without considering potential side effects and risks. High doses of fish oil can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion.
D. Not all types of oils increase cholesterol and triglycerides. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can actually help lower triglyceride levels and may have a positive effect on cholesterol levels.

A. Encourage the spouse to share their feelings. B. Offer reassurance that the spouse is not alone. C. Explain that alternative treatment options may be helpful. D. Remind the spouse that the client may still live a long time.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Encouraging the spouse to share their feelings is the most appropriate initial action. It provides an opportunity for the spouse to express their emotions and begin processing their grief. This approach validates the spouse’s feelings, offers emotional support, and establishes a supportive environment where the spouse can feel heard and understood.
B. Offering reassurance that the spouse is not alone can be comforting, but it may not fully address the immediate emotional needs of the spouse. It is important to first allow the spouse to express their feelings and then provide reassurance as part of the ongoing support.
C. Discussing alternative treatment options may be premature and could be perceived as dismissive of the spouse’s immediate emotional response. At this moment, the spouse is focused on the emotional impact of the terminal diagnosis rather than treatment options.
D. While offering hope can be part of supportive care, this approach might unintentionally minimize the spouse’s current feelings of loss and grief. It can also come across as dismissive of the immediate emotional impact of the diagnosis.

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Which assessment data reflects the need for the nurse to include the problem, "Risk for falls" in a client's plan of care? Reference Range: Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)]

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A male client tells the nurse that he is taking large doses of a fish oil supplement to lower his triglyceride level. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client's spouse has just learned of the client's terminal illness. The spouse is sitting in the corner of the client's room crying, and says to the nurse, "I feel as if I'm already so alone." Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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The nurse identifies the hospitalized client in which situation as being at highest risk for the development of a healthcare associated infection (HAI)?

Which assessment data reflects the need for the nurse to include the problem, "Risk for falls" in a client's plan of care?

Reference Range:

Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)]