A nurse is providing home safety information for an older adult client who uses a cane. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A) Delayed gastric emptying: This condition refers to a slowdown in the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, often leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early satiety. It is not related to breath sounds and would not be detected through auscultation of the lungs.

B) Atelectasis: This condition involves the collapse or closure of lung tissue, resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange. It commonly occurs in patients who are immobile or on bedrest for extended periods, such as the client with a lacerated spleen. Decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes of the lungs are a typical finding in atelectasis, as the collapsed or partially collapsed alveoli do not allow air to move through them, leading to diminished or absent breath sounds in the affected areas.

C) An upper respiratory infection: This condition involves infections in the nose, throat, and airways and typically presents with symptoms like cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and sometimes fever. It can affect breath sounds, but it more commonly causes wheezing, crackles, or rhonchi rather than isolated decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes.

D) Pulmonary edema: This condition is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, often due to heart failure or acute lung injury. Auscultation findings typically include crackles or rales, particularly in the lower lung fields, but not necessarily decreased breath sounds unless there is a significant consolidation or fluid volume.

A) "The health care proxy does not go into effect until I am incapable of making decisions.": This statement is accurate. A health care proxy, also known as a durable power of attorney for health care or health care agent, is appointed to make medical decisions on behalf of the client if they become unable to do so themselves. This can include decisions related to treatment options, end-of-life care, and other medical interventions.

B) "I have to choose a family member as my health proxy.": This statement is incorrect. While some individuals may choose a family member as their health care proxy, it is not a requirement. The client can choose any competent adult who is willing to serve as their health care proxy, including a friend, relative, or even a legal representative.

C) "If I become incapacitated, end-of-life choices will be made by my proxy.": This statement is accurate. The health care proxy is responsible for making medical decisions on behalf of the client if they are unable to do so, including decisions related to end-of-life care and treatment preferences.

D) "I can change who I designate as my health care proxy at any time.": This statement is accurate. The client has the right to change their health care proxy at any time by completing a new advance directive document and revoking any previous designations. It is essential for the client to review and update their advance directives regularly to ensure they reflect their current wishes and preferences.