36. An older client in a long-term care facility reports severe pain in the groin while walking to the activities center. The first action by a nurse should be to:
36. An older client in a long-term care facility reports severe pain in the groin while walking to the activities center. The first action by a nurse should be to:
. Give Tylenol as ordered.
. Suspect a fracture and eliminate weight-bearing.
. Question the client further about the pain.
. Offer the client a walker to provide support.
Test-Taking Tip
If the symptom is groin pain while walking—think hip and eliminate weight-bearing.
Content Area: Geriatrics, Musculoskeletal; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care and Comfort/Mobility/Immobility
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Answer 1 is incorrect because the cause of pain needs to be first assessed before medicating. Answer 2 is correct because severe groin or hip pain is a common complaint of a possible hip fracture when the client is able to bear weight. Answer 3 is incorrect because eliminating weight-bearing would be the first priority to prevent further trauma to the joint, then this would be the next action. Answer 4 is incorrect because a walker still requires the client to use both legs.