The nurse is caring for a 78-year-old with a history of chronic ...

[maegan_martin]

The nurse is caring for a 78-year-old with a history of chronic depression. The patient currently reports persistent left shoulder pain since having a fall a year ago. To best address the patient's pain, the nurse initially determines
 
  a. if the patient is still at risk for falls.
  b. the severity of the shoulder injury.
  c. how effectively depression is being ma-naged.
  d. the patient's ability to effectively cope with pain.

Question 2

The nurse wishes to control infection by manipulating the portal of entry. What action best demonstrates this process?
 
  a. Using sterile technique to insert a catheter
  b. Encouraging patients to eat high-protein meals
  c. Ensuring housekeeping keeps rooms clean
  d. Providing patients with vitamin supple-ments

[blakeserpa]

Answer to Question 1

C
Persistent depression affects a person's ability to cope with the pain, so it must be treated. The nurse should also assess fall risk but that is secondary to determining why the pain has lasted so long and if the patient is able to cope.

Answer to Question 2

A
Inserting a catheter can introduce microbes via the urinary meatus, the portal of entry. The other factors relate more to improving the status of the host and eliminating reservoirs.

[maegan_martin]

Gracias!

[scottmt]

Excellent