During a home visit, an elderly female client who had a brain attack three months ago and can now ambulate with a quad cane is assessed by the nurse. Which assessment finding has the greatest implications for this client's care?
- A. The husband, who is the caregiver, begins to weep when the nurse asks how he is doing.
- B. The client tells the nurse that she does not have much of an appetite today.
- C. The nurse notes that there are numerous scatter rugs throughout the house.
- D. The client's pulse rate is 10 beats higher than it was at the last visit one week ago.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The presence of numerous scatter rugs throughout the house poses a significant safety hazard to the client who is ambulating with a quad cane. These rugs increase the risk of tripping and falling, making it the most critical finding that needs immediate attention to prevent potential injuries and ensure the client's safety during ambulation.
You may also like to solve these questions
When a client has suffered severe burns all over his body, the most effective method of monitoring the cardiovascular system is:
- A. Cuff blood pressure.
- B. Arterial pressure.
- C. Pulmonary artery pressure.
- D. Central venous pressure.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring is the most effective method to assess fluid status and the cardiovascular system in a client with severe burns. Severe burns can lead to significant fluid shifts and hemodynamic changes, making central venous pressure monitoring crucial for guiding fluid resuscitation and managing cardiovascular stability in these patients.
A client has an elevated AST 24 hours following chest pain and shortness of breath. This is suggestive of which of the following?
- A. Gallbladder disease
- B. Liver disease
- C. Myocardial infarction
- D. Skeletal muscle injury
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An elevated AST level following chest pain and shortness of breath is suggestive of myocardial infarction. AST is released from damaged heart muscle cells during a heart attack, indicating cardiac involvement. This enzyme is not specific to liver disease, gallbladder disease, or skeletal muscle injury in this clinical context.
A client with a suspected kidney infection is admitted to the hospital for observation. Which action should the nurse implement to assess the client's kidney function?
- A. Monitor the client's urine output
- B. Check for abdominal tenderness
- C. Evaluate the client's fluid intake
- D. Inspect the client's skin for edema
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring urine output is the most direct way to assess kidney function as it provides crucial information about the kidneys' ability to filter waste and produce urine. Changes in urine output can indicate potential issues with kidney function, such as decreased filtration or impaired excretion of waste products.
A client being discharged with a prescription for the bronchodilator theophylline is instructed to take three doses of the medication each day. Since timed-release capsules are not available, which dosing schedule should the nurse advise the client to follow?
- A. 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m.
- B. 8 a.m., 4 p.m., and midnight.
- C. Before breakfast, before lunch, and before dinner.
- D. With breakfast, with lunch, and with dinner.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Theophylline should be administered on a regular around-the-clock schedule to provide the best bronchodilating effect and reduce the potential for adverse effects. The correct dosing schedule of 8 a.m., 4 p.m., and midnight ensures that the client receives consistent dosing throughout the day. Other options do not provide the necessary around-the-clock coverage. It's important to note that food may affect the absorption of the medication, which is why the dosing schedule should not be tied to meal times.
A male client is on contact precautions due to an infected draining wound and is being discharged home. The client lives at home with his wife and their adolescent daughter. What discharge instruction should the nurse include for the client?
- A. Use disposable plates and utensils.
- B. Stay in a room with the door closed.
- C. Dispose of soiled dressings in plastic bags that are securely closed.
- D. Others who are in the same room with the client should wear a mask.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a client is on contact precautions due to an infected draining wound, it is important to prevent contact with wound secretions. Therefore, disposing of soiled dressings in securely closed plastic bags helps contain and prevent the spread of infectious material, reducing the risk of transmission to others in the household.