When should discharge planning for a client experiencing an exacerbation of heart failure be initiated?
- A. During the admission process
- B. After the client is stabilized
- C. When the client expresses readiness to go home
- D. Just before the expected discharge date
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Discharge planning for a client with an exacerbation of heart failure should begin during the admission process. Initiating discharge planning early ensures a smooth transition and continuity of care for the client. Option B, after the client is stabilized, is not ideal because planning should start early to address potential barriers to discharge. Option C, when the client expresses readiness to go home, may be too late as discharge planning is a proactive process. Option D, just before the expected discharge date, does not allow enough time for comprehensive planning and coordination of post-discharge care needs.
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A healthcare professional is preparing to transfer a client who can bear weight on one leg from the bed to a chair. After securing a safe environment, which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take next?
- A. Assess the client for orthostatic hypotension
- B. Obtain a gait belt
- C. Ensure the client has proper footwear
- D. Ask the client to perform range-of-motion exercises
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing the client for orthostatic hypotension is the priority before transferring a client who can bear weight on one leg. This assessment helps identify the risk of dizziness or fainting when the client moves from a supine to an upright position. Obtaining a gait belt may be necessary for the transfer, but assessing for orthostatic hypotension comes first to ensure the safety of the client. Ensuring the client has proper footwear is important for preventing falls during ambulation but is not the immediate next step in this situation. Asking the client to perform range-of-motion exercises is not necessary before the transfer and does not address the immediate safety concern of orthostatic hypotension.
When providing hygiene for an older-adult patient, why does the nurse closely assess the skin?
- A. Outer skin layer becomes less resilient.
- B. Less frequent bathing may be required.
- C. Skin becomes more subject to bruising.
- D. Sweat glands become less active.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Less frequent bathing may be required.' In older adults, daily bathing or using hot water and harsh soap can lead to excessively dry skin. Therefore, the nurse closely assesses the skin to determine if less frequent bathing is necessary to prevent skin dryness and maintain skin integrity. Choice A is incorrect because the outer skin layer does not become less resilient with age. Choice C is incorrect as aging skin is actually more prone to bruising due to thinning of the skin. Choice D is incorrect because sweat gland activity generally decreases with age, leading to reduced skin moisture rather than increased activity.
The nurse is caring for an adult who has fluid volume excess. When weighing the client, the nurse should:
- A. Weigh the client upon rising
- B. Weigh the client at different times of the day
- C. Weigh the client after meals
- D. Weigh the client weekly
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Weighing the client upon rising is the correct approach when caring for a client with fluid volume excess. Weighing the client in the morning upon rising provides a consistent and accurate measure of weight, as it helps to eliminate the influence of daily fluctuations that can occur throughout the day. Weighing at different times of the day (choice B) may lead to inconsistent measurements due to variations in food intake, hydration status, and other factors. Weighing the client after meals (choice C) can also lead to inaccurate readings as food and fluid intake can affect weight. Weighing the client weekly (choice D) is not frequent enough to monitor changes in weight accurately for a client with fluid volume excess.
A client has right-sided paralysis following a cerebrovascular accident. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse anticipate to prevent a plantar flexion contracture of the affected extremity?
- A. Ankle-foot orthotic
- B. Continuous passive motion machine
- C. Abduction splint
- D. Sequential compression device
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An ankle-foot orthotic is the correct choice to prevent a plantar flexion contracture in a paralyzed limb. An ankle-foot orthotic helps maintain proper alignment of the foot and ankle, preventing the foot from being permanently fixed in a pointed-down position. Continuous passive motion machines are typically used to promote joint movement after surgery and would not address the prevention of contractures in this case. Abduction splints are used to keep the legs apart and would not address the specific issue described. Sequential compression devices are used to prevent deep vein thrombosis by promoting circulation in the lower extremities and are not indicated for preventing plantar flexion contractures.
A client with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 is seeking advice on the initial approach to a weight loss plan. What action should the nurse recommend?
- A. Plan meals with low carbohydrates and high protein
- B. Engage in strenuous activity for an hour daily
- C. Keep a record of daily food and beverage intake
- D. Participate in a group exercise class three times a week
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Keeping a food diary is an essential practice when starting a weight loss plan as it helps in tracking calorie intake, identifying eating patterns, and making informed decisions about dietary changes. Planning meals with low carbohydrates and high protein (Choice A) can be beneficial for some individuals, but keeping a food diary is more foundational. Engaging in strenuous daily activity (Choice B) may not be sustainable for everyone and could lead to burnout or injuries. Participating in a group exercise class (Choice D) is beneficial for fitness but may not address dietary habits, which are crucial for weight loss.