Author Question: A patient has reduced muscle strength following a left-sided stroke and is at risk for falling. ... (Read 28 times)

londonang · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

A patient has reduced muscle strength following a left-sided stroke and is at risk for falling. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nursing diagnostic statement Risk for falls?

a. Keep all side rails down at all times.
b. Encourage patient to remain in bed most of the shift.
c. Place patient in room away from the nurses' station if possible.
d. Assist patient into and out of bed every 4 hours or as tolerated.

Question 2

A nurse is preparing to make a consult. In which order, beginning with the first step, will the nurse take?

1. Identify the problem.
2. Discuss the findings and recommendation.
3. Provide the consultant with relevant information about the problem.
4. Contact the right professional, with the appropriate knowledge and expertise.
5. Avoid bias by not providing a lot of information based on opinion to the consultant.
a. 1, 4, 3, 5, 2
b. 4, 1, 3, 2, 5
c. 1, 4, 5, 3, 2
d. 4, 3, 1, 5, 2

kjohnson · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Risk for falls is a risk (potential) nursing diagnosis; therefore, the nurse needs to implement actions that will prevent a fall. Assisting the patient into and out of bed is the most appropriate intervention to prevent the patient from falling. Encouraging activity builds muscle strength, and helping the patient with transfers ensures patient safety. Encouraging the patient to stay in bed will not promote muscle strength. Decreased muscle strength is the risk factor placing the patient in jeopardy of falling. The side rails should be up, not down, according to agency policy. This will remind the patient to ask for help to get up and will keep the patient from rolling out of bed. The patient should be placed near the nurses' station, so a staff member can quickly get to the room and assist the patient if necessary.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The first step in making a consultation is to assess the situation and identify the general problem area. Second, direct the consultation to the right professional such as another nurse or social worker. Third, provide a consultant with relevant information about the problem area and seek a solution. Fourth, do not prejudice or influence consultants. Fifth, be available to discuss a consultant's findings and recommendations.