A nurse is assessing an older adult client who has sarcopenia.

The nurse knows that this condition is characterized by which of the following?

The correct answer is A.

Decreased metabolic rate.This is because the metabolic rate is the amount of energy that the body uses to maintain its functions, and it tends to decline with age due to various factors, such as loss of muscle mass, reduced activity, hormonal changes, and decreased thyroid function.

A lower metabolic rate means that the body produces less heat and therefore feels colder more easily.

Choice B is wrong because increased blood pressure is not a normal physiological change with aging, but rather a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases that can be influenced by lifestyle, genetics, and other factors.

Choice C is wrong because increased sweat gland activity is not a normal physiological change with aging, but rather a sign of hyperhidrosis, which is a condition that causes excessive sweating due to overactive sweat glands.Sweat glands actually decrease in number and function with age, which can impair thermoregulation and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Choice D is wrong because decreased body fat is not a normal physiological change with aging, but rather a result of malnutrition, illness, or other causes.Body fat actually tends to increase with age, especially in the abdominal region, due to hormonal changes, reduced physical activity, and lower metabolic rate.

Body fat can act as an insulator and help maintain body temperature.

Normal ranges for metabolic rate vary depending on age, sex, body size, activity level, and other factors.

A general estimate for resting metabolic rate (RMR) is 10 calories per kilogram of body weight per day for men and 9 calories per kilogram of body weight per day for women.

However, this may not reflect the actual metabolic rate of an individual, as it does not account for the effects of food intake, exercise, or environmental factors.

Therefore, it is better to measure metabolic rate using indirect calorimetry or other methods that can capture these variables.

The correct answer is D.

All of the above.

The nurse should ask all of these questions to assess the possible causes of the client’s condition.

Depression and social isolation in older adults can be triggered by various factors, such as:.

• Losses or changes in life, such as death of a spouse, retirement, relocation, or chronic illness.

• Lack of social support or contact with family, friends, or neighbors, which can lead to loneliness and reduced self-esteem.

• Decreased engagement or interest in activities or hobbies that provide meaning, pleasure, or stimulation, which can affect mood and cognitive function.

By asking these questions, the nurse can identify the specific factors that contribute to the client’s depression and social isolation, and provide appropriate interventions to address them.

For example, the nurse can:.

• Provide emotional support and empathy to the client and help them cope with their losses or changes.

• Encourage the client to maintain or increase their social interactions and connections with others who share similar interests or experiences.

• Assist the client to resume or find new activities or hobbies that suit their abilities and preferences, and provide positive feedback and reinforcement.