The home care nurse would determine that a client being treated ...

[bucstennis@aim.com]

The home care nurse would determine that a client being treated for postpartum depression is improving in status when which of the following is assessed in the client?
 
  1. Watching television in the living room while the baby is in the crib crying
   2. Dirty dishes in the sink, beds unmade, and client is wearing clothing for sleep
   3. Client in casual wear, holding baby while rocking in a chair
   4. Spouse making dinner, client in bed asleep, baby in rocker in the kitchen

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative from abdominal surgery. The nurse plans to have the client ambulate for the first time on this shift. Prior to getting the client up, the nurse:
 
  1. Asks the client about readiness to walk.
   2. Conducts a breathing assessment on the client.
   3. Evaluates the client's level of pain.
   4. Calls for a wheelchair to start the process.

[Expo]

Answer to Question 1

3. Client in casual wear, holding baby while rocking in a chair

Rationale:
The nurse who observes the client in casual wear, holding baby while rocking in a chair, should determine that treatment for postpartum depression has been effective since these are signs the client is improving. The other choices would indicate disinterest in child care and care of the home. The client who is sleeping while the spouse is making dinner and watching the baby would indicate treatment has not been effective at all.

Answer to Question 2

3. Evaluates the client's level of pain.

Rationale:
Before implementing activities, the nurse considers the impact on the client. In this case, ambulation is likely to be painful, so the nurse evaluates the need for pain medication prior to the intervention. Most clients are not going to want to get up after surgery and this intervention is not an option for the client. The nurse explains the need and makes the client as comfortable as possible. Assessing the client's breathing is not relevant to the activity. A wheelchair is not appropriate when getting the client ready to ambulate.