An elderly client with a history of falls is being discharged from the hospital. Which intervention should the home health nurse implement to reduce the client's risk of falling at home?
- A. Install grab bars in the bathroom
- B. Provide a walker for ambulation
- C. Educate the client on fall prevention strategies
- D. Refer the client to a physical therapist
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Installing grab bars in the bathroom is crucial to reducing the elderly client's risk of falling at home. Grab bars provide physical support and stability, especially in areas like the bathroom where slips and falls are common among older adults. While providing a walker for ambulation (Choice B) can assist with mobility, it may not directly address the environmental hazards at home. Educating the client on fall prevention strategies (Choice C) is important but may not be sufficient if the physical environment is not modified to reduce fall risks. Referring the client to a physical therapist (Choice D) may help improve strength and balance but does not directly address the immediate environmental risk of falling at home.
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A client with hypertension is being seen in a community clinic. The nurse notes that the client has not been taking their prescribed medication regularly. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?
- A. Educate the client on the importance of medication adherence
- B. Explore the reasons for non-adherence with the client
- C. Refer the client to a hypertension specialist
- D. Adjust the client's medication regimen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate initial intervention when a client is not adhering to prescribed medication is to explore the reasons for non-adherence with the client. Understanding the client's perspective can help identify barriers to adherence, such as side effects, cost, forgetfulness, or misunderstanding of the treatment. By addressing these reasons, the nurse can work collaboratively with the client to develop strategies to improve medication compliance. Educating the client on the importance of adherence (Choice A) may be necessary but should come after exploring the reasons for non-adherence. Referring the client to a hypertension specialist (Choice C) or adjusting the medication regimen (Choice D) should be considered after addressing the underlying reasons for non-adherence.
The client with liver cirrhosis needs immediate intervention for which abnormal laboratory result?
- A. Prothrombin time (PT) of 14 seconds.
- B. Bilirubin of 1.2 mg/dL.
- C. Albumin of 4 g/dL.
- D. Ammonia level of 80 mcg/dL.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An elevated ammonia level of 80 mcg/dL indicates hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of liver cirrhosis that requires immediate intervention. Ammonia is a neurotoxin that accumulates in the blood due to impaired liver function, leading to cognitive impairment and altered mental status. Monitoring and lowering ammonia levels are crucial in managing hepatic encephalopathy to prevent further neurological deterioration. Prothrombin time, bilirubin, and albumin levels are important parameters in assessing liver function and overall health status in clients with liver cirrhosis, but an elevated ammonia level poses an immediate threat to neurological function and warrants prompt attention.
A female client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being treated at home and is currently receiving oxygen at 2 liters via nasal cannula. The spouse, who is the caregiver, reports that the client requires assistance when ambulating short distances, including going to the bathroom. Which suggestion should the health care nurse provide to the caregiver?
- A. disconnect oxygen when ambulating to the bathroom
- B. administer a breathing treatment prior to ambulation
- C. suggest obtaining a bedside commode for toileting
- D. ask for additional assistance to reduce the risk of falls
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a client with COPD requiring assistance for short-distance ambulation, suggesting a bedside commode for toileting is the most appropriate intervention. This recommendation helps reduce the need for the client to walk long distances, thereby minimizing the risk of exertion and potential falls. Disconnecting oxygen during ambulation (Choice A) is not safe for a client with COPD, as oxygen therapy should be continuous. Administering a breathing treatment before ambulation (Choice B) may not directly address the client's need for assistance with toileting. Asking for additional assistance (Choice D) can be beneficial but providing a bedside commode specifically addresses the current issue of ambulating short distances for toileting.
A homeless client with alcohol dependency will be dismissed from the emergency department in 24 hours. The nurse notes that a tuberculin skin test was prescribed by the healthcare provider. What intervention is most important for the nurse to implement prior to discharge?
- A. Identify how the client will follow-up to have the results read
- B. Give the client written information about the tuberculosis test
- C. Determine if the client understands the purpose of the tuberculin test
- D. Explain to the client results should be read between 48 and 72 hours
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most important intervention for the nurse to implement prior to the discharge of a homeless client with alcohol dependency who had a tuberculin skin test prescribed is to identify how the client will follow-up to have the results read. This is crucial to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Providing written information (Choice B) is helpful but not as critical as ensuring the follow-up plan. Determining if the client understands the purpose of the test (Choice C) is important but not as immediate as ensuring the follow-up plan. Explaining when the results should be read (Choice D) is important, but the priority is to make sure the client has a plan in place for follow-up.
During a community health fair, the nurse conducts a blood pressure screening for a 60-year-old woman who has a blood pressure of 160/100 mm Hg. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Instruct the client to monitor her blood pressure at home
- B. Refer the client to her healthcare provider for further evaluation
- C. Educate the client on lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure
- D. Recheck the blood pressure in 15 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When encountering a high blood pressure reading at a community health fair, it is essential for the nurse to refer the client to her healthcare provider for further evaluation. This step ensures that the client receives a comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and appropriate management plan. In this scenario, it is crucial to prioritize professional evaluation over self-monitoring, lifestyle education, or immediate rechecking of the blood pressure. Referral to a healthcare provider allows for timely intervention and ongoing monitoring of the client's blood pressure to prevent potential complications.
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