The nurse is preparing to examine several clients in the clinic setting. Which client would need the greatest degree of special consideration during a physical examination?
1. An adult client with flu symptoms.
2. A preschool-age client in for a well check-up.
3. An adolescent client who complains of fatigue.
4. An older adult client with chronic lung disease.
Correct Answer: 4
Clients who are frail, weak, debilitated, or suffering from a chronic illness may become extremely fatigued during the physical examination due to frequent position changes. The nurse should make every effort to minimize the number of position changes for the client and should complete the exam in a timely fashion. A client ill with an acute condition such as a flu-like illness is not the same risk category as the older client with a chronic disease. Assessment approaches and techniques may vary for children, but a 3-year-old is not considered at the same risk potential as a client with a chronic respiratory illness. Fatigue in a teenager may indicate anemia or it may be caused by lack of sleep, but in general the position changes required during the complete health assessment should not be taxing on a teen.
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