The gerontological nurse collaborates with the wound care team about an older client who has an ulcer. How is this nurse demonstrating leadership in the care of older people?

Choice A reason: This method is not appropriate because it can cause physical and psychological harm to the client. It can injure the client's mouth, trigger a gag reflex, or cause choking. It can also make the client feel violated, frightened, or angry. This can worsen the client's behavior and damage the trust between the client and the caregiver.

Choice B reason: This method is appropriate because it can help the client maintain their dignity, autonomy, and sense of control. It can also stimulate the client's cognitive and motor skills, and encourage the client to participate in their own care. This can improve the client's mood and behavior, and foster a positive relationship between the client and the caregiver.

Choice C reason: This method is not appropriate because it can cause emotional and psychological harm to the client. It can make the client feel disrespected, humiliated, or threatened. It can also increase the client's anxiety, agitation, or resistance. This can worsen the client's behavior and damage the trust between the client and the caregiver.

Choice D reason: This method is not appropriate because it can cause physical and psychological harm to the client. It can injure the client's mouth, trigger a gag reflex, or cause choking. It can also make the client feel ignored, neglected, or devalued. This can worsen the client's behavior and damage the trust between the client and the caregiver.

Choice A reason: Avoiding sick people and washing hands is the most important client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, as it can reduce the exposure to respiratory infections, which are the main cause of COPD exacerbations. The nurse would advise the older adult to stay away from people who have colds, flu, or other contagious illnesses, and to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Choice B reason: Using low-flow oxygen for dyspnea is a possible client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, but it is not the most important one, as it depends on the severity of the condition and the oxygen saturation level of the patient. The nurse would advise the older adult to use oxygen therapy as prescribed by their doctor, and to monitor their oxygen level with a pulse oximeter.

Choice C reason: Easing breathing by sitting upright is a helpful client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, but it is not the most important one, as it is a supportive measure that does not address the underlying cause of the exacerbation. The nurse would advise the older adult to sit upright or lean forward when they have difficulty breathing, and to use pursed-lip breathing or abdominal breathing techniques.

Choice D reason: Eating nutrient- and calorie-dense foods is a beneficial client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, but it is not the most important one, as it is a long-term strategy that does not prevent the immediate risk of exacerbation. The nurse would advise the older adult to eat a balanced diet that provides enough protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, and to avoid foods that can cause gas, bloating, or reflux.