The nurse identifies the nursing diagnosis risk for injury for a clien

The nurse identifies the nursing diagnosis risk for injury for a client who is unable to verbally communicate effectively. The primary risk for injury occurs because the client:

1. Lacks the ability to tell the staff what he or she needs
2. Cannot notify the staff when he or she has fallen
3. Is not able to effectively use the call bell to communicate
4. Displays impatience when needs are not met effectively

ANSWER

ANS: 1
The client who cannot communicate effectively will often have difficulty expressing needs and responding appropriately to the environment. A client who is unable to speak is at risk for injury unless the nurse identifies an alternate communication method. The remaining options relate to potential outcomes of ineffective verbal communication but not to the risk for injury.