a nurse is teaching an older adult client who has left sided weakness about cane use which of the following instructions should the nurse include

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment Form A

1. A nurse is teaching an older adult client who has left-sided weakness about cane use. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Hold the cane with your left hand
B. Move the cane forward 18 inches with each step
C. When walking, move your left foot forward first
D. Keep your elbow straight when you hold the cane

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with left-sided weakness using a cane is to move the left foot forward first. This technique helps improve stability and safety by ensuring weight-bearing on the stronger side while providing support with the cane. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side, which is the right side in this case. Choice B is incorrect as the recommended distance to move the cane forward with each step is about 6 inches, not 18 inches. Choice D is incorrect as it is essential to maintain a slight bend in the elbow while using the cane to absorb shock and provide flexibility.

2. A community health nurse is providing an educational session on childhood poisoning at a local school. What should the nurse advise as the first action if poisoning occurs?

A. Call the poison control center
B. Bring the child to the emergency department (ED)
C. Induce vomiting
D. Call an ambulance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the event of poisoning, the recommended first action is to call the poison control center. Poison control specialists can provide immediate guidance on how to manage the situation effectively. Bringing the child to the emergency department (Choice B) may be necessary depending on the severity of the poisoning, but contacting poison control first is crucial for appropriate and timely intervention. Inducing vomiting (Choice C) is not advised in all cases of poisoning and should only be done under the guidance of healthcare professionals. Calling an ambulance (Choice D) may be necessary in some severe cases, but the initial step should be to contact poison control for expert advice.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving a continuous IV infusion of heparin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Report any urine output greater than 30 mL/hr.
B. Bruising on the arms and legs.
C. Positive Trousseau's sign.
D. Urine output of 60 mL/hr.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Bruising on the arms and legs is a sign of bleeding, which is a serious complication of heparin therapy and should be reported immediately to the provider. Option A is incorrect as urine output greater than 30 mL/hr is a normal finding. Option C, positive Trousseau's sign, is associated with hypocalcemia, not heparin therapy. Option D, urine output of 60 mL/hr, is within the normal range and does not indicate a complication of heparin therapy.

4. What is the most appropriate method for assessing a patient's pain level?

A. Observe the patient's facial expressions.
B. Use a standardized pain scale, such as 0-10.
C. Ask the patient to rate their pain based on their mood.
D. Ask the patient's family members to assess the pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate method for assessing a patient's pain level is to use a standardized pain scale, such as a 0-10 scale. This method provides an objective and consistent way to measure and communicate the intensity of pain experienced by the patient. Choice A, observing facial expressions, can be subjective and may not always accurately reflect the level of pain. Choice C, asking the patient to rate their pain based on their mood, may be influenced by various factors unrelated to pain. Choice D, involving the patient's family members in assessing the pain, is not ideal as pain is a subjective experience that should be reported by the patient themselves.

5. What is the priority intervention for a patient experiencing chest pain?

A. Administer nitroglycerin as prescribed.
B. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths.
C. Monitor the patient's blood pressure closely.
D. Encourage the patient to rest in a comfortable position.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer nitroglycerin as prescribed. Nitroglycerin helps relieve chest pain by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow, addressing the immediate concern of chest pain. Encouraging deep breaths may not be appropriate for chest pain, monitoring blood pressure, although important, is not the priority when the patient is experiencing chest pain, and while resting in a comfortable position is beneficial, administering nitroglycerin is the priority intervention to address the chest pain.