An 86-year-old client with decreased visual acuity who uses a cane for mobility requires fall prevention education. What should the nurse teach this client to reduce the risk of falling at home?
- A. Take off shoes while in the house and wear only socks
- B. Limit activities to the lower level of the home
- C. Keep a lamp near the door of every room
- D. Install non-slip pads in the shower or bathtub
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: To reduce the risk of falling at home for an elderly client with decreased visual acuity and using a cane for mobility, installing non-slip pads in the shower or bathtub is crucial. This measure helps prevent slips and falls in areas where water accumulation may occur. While taking off shoes and wearing socks may seem comfortable, it increases the risk of slipping. Limiting activities to the lower level of the home may restrict the client's independence and quality of life unnecessarily. Keeping a lamp near the door of every room may improve visibility but does not directly address the risk of falls associated with mobility and visual acuity issues.
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Which acronym would BEST describe the procedure for assessing a patient that appears unconscious?
- A. WBC
- B. QRS
- C. XYZ
- D. ABC
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'ABC.' The ABC method stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation. When encountering an unconscious patient, it is crucial to first ensure their Airway is clear by performing the 'head tilt, chin lift' maneuver. Next, assess Breathing by observing for chest rise and fall, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for airflow. Finally, check for Circulation by assessing for a pulse. Choices A, B, and C ('WBC,' 'QRS,' 'XYZ') are incorrect as they do not represent the standard approach to assessing an unconscious patient.
Patients exhibiting signs of cyanosis will:
- A. show signs of hyperoxia.
- B. have increased O2 saturation.
- C. have blood levels of CO2 higher than O2 levels.
- D. None of the above.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from low blood oxygen levels. When a patient exhibits cyanosis, it indicates that their blood is poorly oxygenated, leading to a higher concentration of CO2 compared to oxygen. Options A and B are incorrect as cyanosis is associated with low oxygen levels, not hyperoxia or increased O2 saturation. Therefore, the correct answer is that patients exhibiting cyanosis will have blood levels of CO2 higher than O2 levels.
Which of the following situations indicates the need to file an incident report?
- A. The neon sign directing parking for visitors has burned out
- B. A nurse must send a syringe pump to maintenance for annual service
- C. A client's blood pressure dropped to 90/55 after receiving a dose of morphine
- D. A client's spouse becomes angry and is asked to leave the premises
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An incident report is necessary for documenting unexpected events that occur in a healthcare setting. Situations that warrant filing an incident report include client accidents, medication errors, security problems, or disruptive behaviors that involve clients, families, or visitors. In this scenario, when a client's spouse displays disruptive behavior and is asked to leave the premises, it is essential to document this incident to ensure a record of the event and its resolution. Choices A, B, and C do not involve disruptive behavior or safety concerns that would require an incident report to be filed.
All of the following factors may contribute to client falls EXCEPT:
- A. Contact dermatitis
- B. Urinary frequency
- C. Decreased visual acuity
- D. Confusion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Client falls can result from various factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic factors include health conditions like urinary frequency, which increases the need for bathroom visits, decreased visual acuity, and confusion. These factors can directly contribute to an increased risk of falls. However, contact dermatitis does not directly lead to falls. Contact dermatitis is a skin condition caused by contact with irritants or allergens and does not inherently predispose individuals to falling. Therefore, among the given options, contact dermatitis is the only factor that is not directly associated with an increased risk of falls.
Which of the following is an example of an environmental hazard that may put the healthcare professional at risk of injury?
- A. Loud noise from the hospital maintenance system
- B. Airborne powder containing latex
- C. Chemicals containing ethylene oxide
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Healthcare professionals, including nurses, are exposed to various environmental hazards that may negatively impact their physical or mental health. Hazards come in several forms, such as loud noise from hospital systems, which can damage hearing; airborne latex powder, leading to allergic reactions; and chemicals like ethylene oxide, a sterilizing agent that can cause cancer. Therefore, all the options listed pose risks to healthcare professionals, making 'All of the above' the correct answer. Choice A, loud noise, is a hazard that can affect hearing health. Choice B, airborne latex powder, can trigger allergic responses. Choice C, chemicals containing ethylene oxide, are hazardous and can lead to serious health issues. Each option represents a distinct environmental risk that healthcare professionals should be aware of and take precautions against.