A nurse is caring for an older client admitted for failure to thrive and a history of recent falls and weight loss. The client lives in the child's home, but the nurse is questioning the safety of the home. The nurse needs to assess the appropriateness of the living situation and arrange for an alternate living situation or additional support if needed. It is most appropriate for the nurse to consult with which interdisciplinary team member during the assessment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An important part of the nursing role is to advocate for the health and safety of the client. This client has fallen and lost weight when living in the child's home, prompting the nurse to advocate for the client by bringing in other members of the interdisciplinary team to assess the home situation. When a nurse is concerned about the client's living situation, the social worker is the most appropriate team member to consult with first. The role of the social worker includes assessing the client's living situation and arranging for an alternate living situation or support services as needed. (Option A) Adult protective services would be notified when abuse or neglect is suspected. In the hospital setting, a social worker should be contacted to do a detailed assessment of the situation before adult protective services is notified. (Option B) The physical therapist should be consulted when there is concern about the client's ability to function safely in the home environment. (Option C) The physician would not be the most appropriate person to appoint when a detailed assessment of the home living situation needs to be conducted. However, the physician should be notified if a social worker is assigned to assess the home living situation. Educational objective: Nursing advocacy for the safety of the client includes the appropriate use of interdisciplinary team members, such as the social worker. Advocacy is especially important in younger and elderly clients and those who are cognitively challenged or have mental health concerns.

A Nurse Is Caring for an Older Client Admitted for Failure