A nurse is assessing the risk factors for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in older adult clients.

Which of the following factors should the nurse consider?

(Select all that apply.).

The correct answer isA, B, and C.

These interventions are appropriate for a client who has impaired tactile sensation due to aging.

• Ais correct because monitoring the client’s skin for signs of injury or infection can help prevent complications such as pressure ulcers, burns, or infections that might go unnoticed by the client due to reduced sensitivity.

• Bis correct because teaching the client to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures can protect the client from thermal injuries such as frostbite or heatstroke that might not be felt by the client due to diminished thermoreception.

• Cis correct because encouraging the client to use assistive devices for mobility and balance can enhance the client’s safety and independence by compensating for the loss of proprioception and kinesthesia that might impair the client’s coordination and stability.

• Dis wrong because providing the client with sensory stimulation such as massage or music is not directly related to impaired tactile sensation due to aging.While sensory stimulation might have other benefits for the client’s well-being, it does not address the specific problem of reduced touch perception.

• Eis wrong because advising the client to wear loose-fitting clothing and shoes is not helpful for a client who has impaired tactile sensation due to aging.In fact, loose-fitting clothing and shoes might increase the risk of falls or injuries by creating friction or slipping off the client’s body.

Normal ranges for tactile sensation vary depending on the type of stimulus, the location of the skin, and the method of testing.

However, some general guidelines are:.

• Vibration sense: normal threshold is less than 10 μm at 30 Hz on the fingertip.

• Temperature sense: normal threshold is less than 1°C difference between two stimuli on the forearm.

• Pressure sense: normal threshold is less than 10 g/mm2 on the fingertip.

• Pain sense: normal threshold is less than 0.5 g/mm2 on the fingertip.

The correct answer is D.

“Social interaction can help me avoid stress and anxiety.” This statement indicates a need for further teaching because social interaction does not necessarily help older adults avoid stress and anxiety.

In fact, some social situations may cause or increase stress and anxiety for some people, especially if they are negative, unpleasant, or conflictual.

Therefore, the nurse should explain to the client that social interaction can help them cope with stress and anxiety, but not avoid them altogether.

Choice A is correct because social interaction can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels by reducing the effects of stress hormones and promoting physical activity.

Choice B is correct because social interaction can help boost the immune system by enhancing positive emotions, increasing antibody production, and reducing inflammation.

Choice C is correct because social interaction can help improve memory and learning ability by stimulating brain regions involved in cognition, communication, and social perception.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are less than 120/80 mmHg for adults, and normal ranges for cholesterol are less than 200 mg/dL for total cholesterol, less than 100 mg/dL for LDL cholesterol, and more than 40 mg/dL for HDL cholesterol.