A nurse reviews the history of a newly admitted patient. Which finding will alert the nurse that the patient is at risk for falls?
- A. 55 years old
- B. 20/20 vision
- C. Urinary continence
- D. Orthostatic hypotension
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Orthostatic hypotension. This finding indicates a drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can lead to dizziness and falls. A 55-year-old age (choice A) does not inherently indicate fall risk. 20/20 vision (choice B) does not directly correlate with fall risk. Urinary continence (choice C) is not a significant fall risk factor. The presence of orthostatic hypotension (choice D) is a clear indicator of potential falls due to the risk of dizziness and loss of balance.
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The nurse is performing the “Timed Get Up and Go (TUG)†assessment. Which actions will the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Ranks a patient as high risk for falls after patient takes 18 seconds to complete
- B. Teaches patient to rise from straight back chair using arms for support
- C. Instructs the patient to walk 10 feet as quickly and safely as possible
- D. Observes for unsteadiness in patient's gait
- E. Begins counting after the instructions
- F. Allows the patient a practice trial.
Correct Answer: C, D, F
Rationale: The correct answers are C, D, and F.
C: Instructing the patient to walk 10 feet quickly and safely is a key step in the TUG assessment to evaluate mobility and fall risk.
D: Observing for unsteadiness in the patient's gait is crucial to assess balance and risk of falls during the TUG assessment.
F: Allowing the patient a practice trial helps ensure that they understand the instructions and can perform the task accurately during the actual assessment.
These actions are essential for a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of the patient's mobility and fall risk during the Timed Get Up and Go assessment.
A home health nurse is assessing a family's home after the birth of an infant. A toddler also lives in the home. Which finding will cause the nurse to follow up?
- A. Plastic grocery bags are neatly stored under the counter.
- B. Electric outlets are covered in all rooms.
- C. No bumper pads are in the crib.
- D. Crib slats are 5 cm apart.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because storing plastic grocery bags under the counter poses a suffocation risk to the toddler. Toddlers could access the bags and potentially suffocate if they put a bag over their head. This finding requires immediate follow-up to ensure the safety of the child.
Choice B is incorrect because covering electric outlets is a safety measure for toddlers, not a cause for follow-up. Choice C is also incorrect because not having bumper pads in the crib is actually recommended for safe sleep practices. Choice D is incorrect as well since crib slats being 5 cm apart is within the safety guidelines.
The nurse is caring for an older-adult patient admitted with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to food poisoning. Which priority concern will require collaboration with social services?
- A. The electricity was turned off 3 days ago.
- B. The water comes from the county water supply.
- C. A son and family recently moved into the home.
- D. This home is not furnished with a microwave oven.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the electricity being turned off poses a significant risk to the older-adult patient's health and safety. Lack of electricity can lead to spoiled food, inability to cook or store food properly, and compromised medical equipment like refrigerated medications. Collaboration with social services is necessary to address this immediate concern. Choices B, C, and D are less critical as county water supply is generally safe, a son moving in is not directly related to the patient's condition, and lack of a microwave oven is not as urgent as lack of electricity in this situation.
A nurse is inserting a urinary catheter. Which technique will the nurse use to prevent a procedure-related accident?
- A. Pathogenic asepsis
- B. Medical asepsis
- C. Surgical asepsis
- D. Clean asepsis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Surgical asepsis. This technique involves creating and maintaining a sterile field to prevent contamination during invasive procedures like catheter insertion. The nurse will use sterile gloves, drapes, and equipment to minimize the risk of infection. Pathogenic asepsis (A) focuses on removing or destroying pathogens but may not ensure sterility. Medical asepsis (B) aims to reduce the number of pathogens but does not achieve a sterile environment. Clean asepsis (D) involves cleanliness but not the level of sterility required for invasive procedures.
A homeless adult patient presents to the emergency department. The nurse obtains the following vital signs: temperature 94.8° F, blood pressure 106/56, apical pulse 58, and respiratory rate 12. Which vital sign should the nurse address immediately?
- A. Respiratory rate
- B. Temperature
- C. Apical pulse
- D. Blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should address the temperature (Choice B) immediately because it is below the normal range (normal range is around 97-99°F). A low body temperature, such as 94.8°F, can indicate hypothermia, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt intervention to prevent complications like organ dysfunction or cardiac arrest. Addressing the temperature first is crucial to prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition.
Other choices are not as urgent:
A: Respiratory rate (12 breaths per minute) is within the normal range.
C: Apical pulse (58 beats per minute) is slightly lower but not immediately life-threatening.
D: Blood pressure (106/56 mmHg) is on the lower side but not acutely concerning.