Safety and Mobility - GERONTOLOGY

An older adult client states it is uncomfortable to take a walk around noon in the summer, noting it was easier to do so when younger. What should the nurse explain to this client?

"Because of more body fat with aging, heat dissipates slower making it more uncomfortable to walk during the highest heat of the day." Older patients have more body fat. Older patients can have a heat stroke if they exercise in hot temperatures.

The nurse reviews the medication history of an older adult client with financial challenges. Which risk(s) will the nurse keep in mind when planning this client's care? Select all that apply.

1.) Issues with obtaining medications. 2.) Number of prescribed medications. 3.) Altered metabolizing of medications.

How will the nurse calculate the maximum heart rate for an older adult in a new exercise program?

220 minus the patient's age.

A client with osteoarthritis of the right knee is afraid of falling because of joint instability. What should the nurse recommend to this client to enhance stability?

Cane. Since only one joint is affected, a cane would provide the most stability. You do not need a walker, crutches, or a wheelchair to improve stability.

The nurse prepares an educational session on safety for residents in an extended care facility. What should the nurse include in this teaching?

Climb stairs slowly. To prevent falls you need to climb stairs slowly. Both feet should be used for support as much as possible. Footwear should be worn at all times. The cane should be used for support when descending stairs.

Which assessment finding is most significant when determining care for the older adult client with sarcopenia?

Decrease in muscle mass as a result of a reduction in protein synthesis. Sarcopenia is when your skeletal muscle MASS decreases that occurs in older adults. The patient can fracture their bone

An older client desires to begin an exercise program. What should the nurse recommend as a first step for this client?

Have a recent physical examination. You should have a physical exam done to detect any conditions that could affect or be affected by an exercise program.

A client recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis reports heel pain. Which information will the nurse provide during client teaching?

Ice the area to relieve inflammation. Plantar fasciitis therapy: Stretching both of the calf and plantar fascia Ice the area Resting Orthotics Strength exercises to stabilize the foot and ankle Take short-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

An older adult client has been performing strength training exercises as recommended; however, the client's muscle tone has not improved. The client is upset. What should the nurse emphasize with this client?

Increase the amount of weight used. Key elements of strength training are resistance and progression. Resistance is achieved by lifting weights; however, progression involves increasing the workload on the muscles, such as by lifting heavier weights. To improve muscle tone, the client may need to increase the amount of weight used when performing strength training.

An adult child is having the bathroom of an older adult parent renovated. What should the nurse recommend to ensure safety when the parent uses the shower?

Install a bath bench. Older patients should have a bath bench so they have a place to sit when drying off and provide stability when entering and exiting the shower.

An older adult client with an overactive parathyroid has been diagnosed with demineralization of the bones. Which action will the nurse take to support this client?

Keep the client's necessary articles close to the client. Reason: so the client doesn't have to get up and move often since they are immobile as it is with their bones demineralizing.

During a home assessment, the nurse should discuss which safety risk with the client?

Low level toilet seat. Older patients need to have a higher-raised toilet seat.

The nurse identifies the an older adult client as being at risk for trauma and acute confusion related to hypothermia. What finding did the nurse use to identify this risk?

Minimal subcutaneous tissue.

The nurse is caring for an older adult client with confusion who experiences urinary frequency and urgency. Which safety action should the nurse take?

Place client on fall risk precautions. This client will likely be getting out of bed very often; therefore, the nurse should place the client on fall precautions. An indwelling urinary catheter is not to be placed for nurse convenience. The client may get out of bed and should be as mobile as possible, but the entire staff should be aware of the fall risk and be ready and willing to assist the client, rather than advise the client to use the bedpan only. Plastic lined sheets are not healthy for the client's skin. They only protect the mattress.

A nurse was recently assisting an older adult resident with a biweekly bath. While the nurse was helping the client transfer out of the bathtub, the client feels like she is falling and grabs on to the nurse forcefully, becomes rigid, and exclaims, "Help me quick." Which action will the nurse take next?

Prevent the resident from falling. Older patients often report that they are fearful of falling.

The nurse learns that an older adult client is developing cataracts in both eyes. Which action should the nurse take to improve this client's environment?

Reduce glare. Cataracts causes glare and you should reduce this. Side note - Turning on more lights would be appropriate if the client's corneas are less translucent and transmit less light. Use a magnifying glass for macular degeneration. Using reading glasses helps with presbyopia.

The nurse is caring for an older adult client at risk for falls. The nurse surveys the client's surroundings in the hospital for safety concerns. Which will the nurse survey? Select all that apply.

You want the patient to have: 1.) Adequate lighting at night. 2.) Bed in low position. 3.) Spills and tripping hazards. 4.) Client's ability to use the call button.