When assessing the activity tolerance of a patient, the nurse ...

[kellyjaisingh]

When assessing the activity tolerance of a patient, the nurse would evaluate which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Skeletal abnormalities
  b. Emotional factors
  c. Age
  d. Pregnancy status
  e. Race

Question 2

The nurse is ambulating a patient in the hall when she notices that he is beginning to fall. The nurse should
 
  a. Grab the patient and hold him tight to prevent the fall.
  b. Gently lower the patient to the floor.
  c. Jump back and let the patient fall naturally.
  d. Push the patient against the wall and guide him to the floor.

[dantucker]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, C, D
Factors influencing activity tolerance include physiological factors such as skeletal abnormalities, emotional factors such as anxiety/depression, developmental factors such as age and gender, and pregnancy status. Race is not a factor because people of all races are faced with similar factors that affect their activity tolerance.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
If the patient has a fainting episode or begins to fall, assume a wide base of support with one foot in front of the other, thus supporting the patient's body weight. Then extend one leg and let the patient slide against the leg, and gently lower the patient to the floor, protecting the patient's head. Grabbing the patient will shift the nurse's center of gravity and may lead to a back injury. Allowing the patient to fall could lead to head injury for the patient. Pushing the patient against the wall could also cause the patient to hit his head and cause injury.