A nurse is assessing an older adult client. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Decreased sense of balance
Nighttime urinary incontinence
Heightened sense of pain
Increased nighttime sleeping
The Correct Answer is A
As individuals age, it is common for them to experience a decreased sense of balance. This can be attributed to age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system, sensory perception, and coordination. The inner ear, which plays a vital role in maintaining balance, undergoes natural degenerative changes over time. Additionally, age-related decline in muscle strength and flexibility can contribute to difficulties in maintaining balance. Therefore, a nurse assessing an older adult client should expect a decreased sense of balance as a common finding.
- Nighttime urinary incontinence: While nighttime urinary incontinence can occur in some older adults, it is not a universal finding. It is important to avoid making assumptions or generalizations about older adults experiencing urinary incontinence. Each individual's urinary function can vary, and incontinence can be influenced by various factors such as overall health, bladder capacity, medication use, and underlying medical conditions.
- Heightened sense of pain: Older adults may experience changes in pain perception due to age-related physiological changes and medical conditions. However, it is not a predictable or expected finding for all older adult clients. Pain perception can vary among individuals based on their overall health, chronic conditions, and individual pain thresholds. Therefore, while some older adults may experience heightened pain sensitivity, it is not a universal expectation.
- Increased nighttime sleeping: Sleep patterns can change with age, and older adults may experience alterations in their sleep-wake cycles. However, increased nighttime sleeping is not a definitive finding that applies to all older adult clients. Sleep patterns can vary greatly among individuals, and some older adults may experience decreased sleep duration or disrupted sleep rather than increased nighttime sleeping.
In summary, the nurse should expect a decreased sense of balance as a common finding when assessing an older adult client. It is important to approach each individual as unique and recognize that other findings such as nighttime urinary incontinence, heightened sense of pain, or increased nighttime sleeping may or may not be present, as they can vary among older adults based on individual factors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Explain the techniques of esophageal speech.Although teaching esophageal speech is important, the use of an artificial larynx may be more immediately relevant and easier for the client to learn and use right after surgery.
B. Schedule a support session for the client.While providing emotional support is important, it is not the immediate priority. The client needs to understand how to communicate effectively after the laryngectomy.
C. Determine the client's reading ability.This may be relevant for assessing the client's ability to understand written instructions, but it is not as directly related to their immediate post-operative needs for communication.
D. Review the use of an artificial larynx with the client.This intervention is the priority because the client will need to know how to use an artificial larynx to facilitate communication after losing their natural voice. This understanding is critical for the client’s post-operative adjustment and ability to express themselves.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When caring for a client who has a chest tube following thoracic surgery, the nurse can delegate the task of assisting the client to select food choices from the menu to an assistive personnel. This task is within the scope of practice of an assistive personnel and does not require the specialized knowledge or judgment of a nurse.
Option a is incorrect because monitoring the characteristics of the client's chest tube drainage requires specialized knowledge and should not be delegated.
Option b is incorrect because evaluating the client's response to pain medication requires specialized knowledge and should not be delegated.
Option c is incorrect because teaching deep breathing and coughing to the client requires specialized knowledge and should not be delegated.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today