Week 7: Health Promotion and Wellness in the Older Adult

In addressing the older patient's concern about his difficulty in sleeping, which suggestion by the nurse would be most beneficial?

"Create a dark, cool environment that is free from noise. That should help."

A woman visits the nurse practitioner at the nursing home where her husband lives. The woman tells the nurse that she really misses the intimate contact since her husband was placed in the nursing home. Which statement by the nurse would be helpful in meeting the sexuality needs of the couple?

"I believe we should be able to provide you with some privacy so that you can maintain this closeness."

Encouraging physical exercise in older adults is important to facilitate the maintenance of health and quality of life. Which recommendations by the nurse would encourage safe exercise for the older adult?

- Encouraging exercises that fit with the older adult's abilities - Having water available both before and after exercise sessions - Emphasizing beginning with short exercise periods, slowly increasing the time spent exercising

In developing a plan of care for the older adult, nutrition is the most significant, controllable tool for influencing wellness. Which items would be important for the nurse or dietitian to consider when thinking about nutritional interventions?

- Supplemental federal food programs may not be available in the community. - Economic factors may lead the older adult to forego food in order to pay bills. - Multiple medications required to manage chronic disease may decrease appetite. - Cultural backgrounds may cause the older adult to disengage when new foods are suggested.

In considering a patient's functional status, which activity would be described as an instrumental activity of daily living?

- fixing lunch for a grandchild - taking daily medications as prescribed - Using the telephone to make a doctor's appointment

The police bring an unkempt older man they found wandering through the park to the ED. He is struggling to breathe and has multiple bruises over his entire body. He has no identification but tells the nurse his name, age, and that he lives in the park. Which complication impacts this patient's situation?

Chronic disease

An older adult patient has an appointment for an annual physical examination with a primary care physician. Which disease prevention activity is an example of secondary prevention?

Order for a colonoscopy

Which outcome demonstrates the best reason for nurses providing health promotion information in local senior centers?

Provides a useful way to advocate and educate patients and families about health promotion activities

The daughter of a woman with recently diagnosed stage 3 breast cancer asks to talk privately to the nurse. She becomes tearful when sharing her concerns about the financial constraints of her mother's treatment. Which response by the nurse will decrease the daughter's anxiety and facilitate the development of a trusting relationship?

Why don't we sit with the social worker and see what is covered under Medicare?"

Which situation describes a social issue that impacts the health of older adults?

exposure to technology