A nurse is teaching a client who has diabetes mellitus about diabetic retinopathy.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make to the client?

Choice A rationale:

Clean the client's skin with hot water. Using hot water to clean a client's skin who is incontinent can be harmful. Hot water can damage the skin and exacerbate any existing skin issues. It is essential to use lukewarm water and gentle, pH-balanced cleansers to prevent skin irritation.

Choice B rationale:

Dry between folds in the client's skin. This is the correct answer. When caring for a client who is incontinent, it is crucial to ensure that the skin is kept clean and dry. Moisture between skin folds can lead to skin breakdown and the development of pressure ulcers. Drying the skin thoroughly helps prevent these issues.

Choice C rationale:

Apply baby powder to the client's skin. Applying baby powder is not recommended, as it can create a moist environment that may promote the growth of fungi and bacteria. It can also potentially lead to respiratory issues if the client inhales the powder. It's better to focus on keeping the skin clean and dry without using powder.

Choice D rationale:

Restrict the client's fluid intake. Restricting the client's fluid intake is not a suitable approach. Adequate hydration is essential for overall health and well-being. Dehydration can lead to various complications and negatively impact the client's overall health. Instead, focus on managing incontinence through appropriate hygiene and the use of incontinence products. .

Choice A rationale:

Widened peripheral vision. This choice is not an expected change in an older adult's vision. As individuals age, peripheral vision may diminish, but it doesn't typically widen. Therefore, this choice is not appropriate.

Choice C rationale:

Eyes with large pupils. Older adults often experience changes in the size of their pupils due to the aging process. Pupils may become smaller and less responsive to light, not larger. Thus, this choice is not accurate.

Choice D rationale:

Infections of the eye. While eye infections can occur in any age group, there's no specific reason to monitor an older adult for eye infections unless there are signs or symptoms suggesting an issue. It's not a routine aspect of care for older adults. Now, let's discuss the rationale for the correct answer, choice B:

Choice B rationale:

Increase in accommodation to near vision. This is the correct answer because it is a common age-related change in vision known as presbyopia. As individuals age, their ability to accommodate or focus on near objects diminishes. This change typically begins in the early 40s and progresses over time. It's a result of the lens of the eye becoming less flexible. Older adults may need reading glasses or bifocals to improve their near vision. The nurse should plan to monitor for this change as part of routine care for an older adult.