An older client is being discharged from the hospital to a sub-acute unit. The client says to a nurse, "I am not sure I understand the difference between a sub-acute unit and a nursing home. Can you help me understand?" The nurse considers which of the following in formulating a response:

A. Balance:

The Get-Up-and-Go test assesses the patient's ability to maintain balance during the process of standing up from a chair, walking a short distance, turning around, and sitting down. Impaired balance can be a significant risk factor for falls.

B. Stride:

Stride, or the length of a person's step, is not explicitly assessed in the Get-Up-and-Go test. However, the test may indirectly provide information about the patient's walking pattern and step characteristics.

C. Flexibility:

While flexibility is not a specific focus of the Get-Up-and-Go test, the test involves movements that require a degree of joint flexibility, such as bending the knees to stand up and sit down.

D. Speed:

Speed is an important aspect of the Get-Up-and-Go test. The time taken by the patient to complete the entire sequence of standing up, walking, turning, and sitting down is considered. Slower performance on the test may indicate an increased risk of falls.

A. Because a conservatorship is the least restrictive alternative, a court hearing is not required.

Explanation: This statement is not accurate. Conservatorships are legal arrangements that involve the appointment of a conservator to manage the financial affairs and assets of an individual who is unable to do so themselves. While conservatorships may be necessary for the protection of the individual, they are not automatically considered the least restrictive alternative, and a court hearing is typically required to establish one.

B. The most legally restricting way individuals and property can be handled are through conservatorships and guardianships.

Explanation: This statement is partially true. Conservatorships and guardianships are legal mechanisms that grant authority to individuals (conservators and guardians, respectively) to manage the affairs of someone who is unable to do so themselves. While they involve legal restrictions, whether they are the most restrictive or not can depend on the specific details of the arrangement and the jurisdiction.

C. A conservatorship entails control over property, whereas a guardianship entails control over the person.

Explanation: This statement is true. In general, a conservatorship focuses on managing the financial affairs and assets of an individual, while a guardianship involves decision-making authority over personal and healthcare matters. The roles and responsibilities of conservators and guardians may vary by jurisdiction, but the distinction between control over property and control over the person is a common principle.

D. Conservators cannot be members of the conservatee's (client's) family.

Explanation: This statement is not universally true. In many cases, family members can be appointed as conservators. The court will typically consider the best interests of the individual in need of protection when appointing a conservator, and a family member may be deemed suitable if they can fulfill the responsibilities of the role. The specific rules regarding who can be a conservator may vary by jurisdiction.