HESI Practice Test for Fundamentals Related

Review HESI Practice Test for Fundamentals related questions and content

The patient has been in bed for several days and needs to be ambulated. Which action will the nurse take first?

  • A. Maintain a narrow base of support.
  • B. Dangle the patient at the bedside.
  • C. Encourage isometric exercises.
  • D. Suggest a high-calcium diet.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take first when a patient needs to be mobilized after being in bed for several days is to dangle the patient at the bedside. Dangling at the bedside is the initial step to assess the patient's tolerance to sitting up and moving. It helps prevent orthostatic hypotension and allows the nurse to evaluate the patient's response to upright positioning before attempting further ambulation. Maintaining a narrow base of support (Choice A) is related to assisting with ambulation but is not the first step. Encouraging isometric exercises (Choice C) and suggesting a high-calcium diet (Choice D) are not immediate actions needed to initiate mobilization in this scenario.