A nurse is caring for an older adult client who reports feeling cold most of the time.

The nurse knows that this is most likely due to which of the following physiological changes with aging?

The correct answer is C.

Ego integrity vs despair.

According to Erikson’s psychosocial theory, older adults face the challenge of looking back on their lives and evaluating their accomplishments and failures.

If they feel satisfied with their life course, they achieve a sense of ego integrity, which is a feeling of wholeness and coherence.

If they feel regretful or dissatisfied, they experience despair, which is a sense of hopelessness and bitterness.

Choice A is wrong because trust vs mistrust is the first stage of Erikson’s theory, which occurs in infancy.

It involves developing a basic sense of trust in oneself and others based on the quality of caregiving.

Choice B is wrong because generativity vs stagnation is the seventh stage of Erikson’s theory, which occurs in middle adulthood.

It involves contributing to society and the next generation through work, parenting, or other activities.

Choice D is wrong because identity vs role confusion is the fifth stage of Erikson’s theory, which occurs in adolescence.

It involves developing a stable and coherent sense of self and one’s role in society.

Normal ranges for Erikson’s stages are:.

• Trust vs mistrust: birth to 18 months.

• Autonomy vs shame and doubt: 18 months to 3 years.

• Initiative vs guilt: 3 to 6 years.

• Industry vs inferiority: 6 to 12 years.

• Identity vs role confusion: 12 to 18 years.

• Intimacy vs isolation: 18 to 40 years.

• Generativity vs stagnation: 40 to 65 years.

• Ego integrity vs despair: 65 years and older.

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.