A nurse is caring for a client who is at the end of life.
The client's partner is concerned about using opioid narcotics to manage the client's pain.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice A rationale:

Decreased thickness of tympanic membranes is not a typical physiological change in older adults. Tympanic membranes tend to become thinner and less flexible with age, leading to increased susceptibility to damage, not decreased thickness.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased tinnitus is not a physiological change related to aging. Tinnitus can occur in individuals of all ages and is often associated with various factors such as exposure to loud noises, ear infections, or underlying medical conditions.

Choice C rationale:

Decreased ear wax is not a typical physiological change in older adults. In fact, older adults may experience increased production of earwax, which can lead to hearing problems if not managed appropriately.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased ability to hear high-frequency sounds is a common physiological change in older adult clients. This change, known as presbycusis, is characterized by a reduced ability to hear high-pitched sounds due to changes in the inner ear, including damage to hair cells and changes in the auditory nerves. Presbycusis is a well-documented and expected age-related change in hearing.

The correct answer is d. "Seeing spots is a manifestation of diabetic retinopathy."

Choice A rationale:

• Clouding of the lens is not a manifestation of diabetic retinopathy.It is a characteristic of cataracts,a condition that involves a different eye structure and has a different etiology.
• Diabetic retinopathy specifically affects the retina,which is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye.It does not directly involve the lens.
• It's crucial to clarify this distinction for the client to ensure accurate understanding of their condition and potential symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

• Increased intraocular pressure is not the cause of diabetic retinopathy.It is the primary feature of glaucoma,another eye condition with distinct causes and consequences.
• Diabetic retinopathy is primarily driven by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to prolonged high blood sugar levels.
• Explaining this difference to the client can help prevent confusion and promote appropriate preventive measures.

Choice C rationale:

• While regular eye exams are essential for early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy,the recommended frequency is more often than every 2 years.
• The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least annually.
• More frequent exams may be necessary depending on the individual's risk factors and the severity of their diabetes.

Choice D rationale:

• Seeing spots is a common and significant symptom of diabetic retinopathy.It occurs when blood vessels in the retina leak fluid or bleed,causing disruptions in vision.
• Other potential symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
  • Blurred vision
  • Floaters (dark specks or strings that move across the visual field)
  • Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
  • Loss of central vision
  • Distortion of colors
  • Blind spots