Level: Clinical
Difficulty: Medium
Subtopic: Older adult changes
NCLEX: A 78-year-old client in a long-term care facility is being evaluated for nursing care related to older adult chan…
Psychology / lifespan development Health Promotion and Maintenance
Case Study
A 78-year-old client in a long-term care facility is being evaluated for nursing care related to older adult changes. Assessment data include the client has unintentional weight loss and difficulty preparing meals. Which action is appropriate within the RN scope of practice?
Question
A. Independently diagnose the medical disease and prescribe treatment.
B. Prescribe new medications without a provider order.
C. Delegate nursing assessment and evaluation on an unstable client.
D. Assess, analyze cues, implement nursing interventions per orders, teach, evaluate outcomes, and question unsafe orders.
B. Prescribe new medications without a provider order.
C. Delegate nursing assessment and evaluation on an unstable client.
D. Assess, analyze cues, implement nursing interventions per orders, teach, evaluate outcomes, and question unsafe orders.
Rationale
Correct answer: D. Assess, analyze cues, implement nursing interventions per orders, teach, evaluate outcomes, and question unsafe orders.
Rationale: RNs assess, coordinate care, teach, and evaluate. Diagnosis and prescribing are provider responsibilities.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: RNs assess, coordinate care, teach, and evaluate. Diagnosis and prescribing are provider responsibilities.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.