The nurse is assessing an older adult client who has osteoporosis and reports frequent falls.
The nurse should ask the client about which of the following factors that could contribute to falls?
(Select all that apply.).
Medications
Vision problems
Home environment.
Thyroid function.
Urinary incontinence.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
The correct answer is A, B, C, and E.
The nurse should ask the client about medications, vision problems, home environment, and urinary incontinence as these are all factors that could contribute to falls in older adults.
• Medications can increase the risk of falls because they can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, or low blood pressure. Some medications that can increase the risk of falls include sedatives, antidepressants, antihypertensives, diuretics, and anticholinergics.
• Vision problems can impair the ability to see obstacles, judge depth and distance, or adjust to changes in light. Some vision problems that can increase the risk of falls include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
• Home environment can pose safety hazards that can cause tripping, slipping, or losing balance. Some home hazards that can increase the risk of falls include loose rugs, clutter, poor lighting, slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and lack of handrails or grab bars.
• Urinary incontinence can lead to rushed movements to the bathroom or frequent nighttime trips that can increase the risk of falls. Urinary incontinence can be caused by various factors such as bladder infections, prostate problems, pelvic floor weakness, or medication side effects.
Choice D is wrong because thyroid function is not a direct factor that contributes to falls in older adults. However, thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can affect other factors such as muscle strength, bone density, heart rate, or blood pressure that can indirectly increase the risk of falls.
Normal ranges for thyroid function tests vary depending on the laboratory and the method used. However, a common reference range for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L and for free thyroxine (FT4) is 0.8 to 1.8 ng/dL.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer isB.
Loss of muscle mass and strength.Sarcopenia is a condition that affects older adults and causes a progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function.This can lead to an increased risk of falls, fractures, disability, and mortality.
Choice A is wrong because the loss of bone mass and strength is calledosteoporosis, not sarcopenia.Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the density and quality of bones, making them more prone to fracture.
Choice C is wrong because loss of joint flexibility and range of motion is calledarthritis, not sarcopenia.
Arthritis is a term that refers to inflammation of the joints, which can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Choice D is wrong because loss of skin elasticity and moisture is calledskin aging, not sarcopenia.
Skin aging is a process that involves changes in the structure and function of the skin, such as wrinkles, sagging, dryness, and decreased wound healing.
Normal ranges for muscle mass and strength vary depending on age, sex, body size, and physical activity level.However, some general indicators of sarcopenia include:.
• A muscle mass index (muscle mass divided by height squared) below 7.26 kg/m2 for men and 5.45 kg/m2 for women.
• A handgrip strength below 30 kg for men and 20 kg for women.
• A gait speed below 0.8 m/s for both sexes.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer isA, B, C and E.These interventions are consistent with the best practices for optimizing functional status in the elderly.
Some explanations for the choices are:.
• Choice A is correct because physical activity and exercise can help maintain muscle strength, joint mobility, balance and coordination, which are essential for functional independence and quality of life.
• Choice B is correct because adequate nutrition and hydration can prevent malnutrition, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can impair physical and cognitive function and increase the risk of complications.
• Choice C is correct because managing chronic diseases and medications can prevent complications, adverse effects and polypharmacy, which can affect functional status and increase the need for health care services.
• Choice D is wrong because providing assistive devices and adaptive equipment is not an intervention to improve functional status, but rather to enhance mobility, safety and independence for patients who already have functional limitations.
The question asks for interventions to improve functional status, not to compensate for it.
• Choice E is correct because modifying the environment can reduce hazards, improve accessibility and facilitate self-care, which can promote functional independence and prevent injuries or falls.
The normal ranges for blood glucose and blood pressure for older adults with diabetes and hypertension are:.
• Blood glucose: 80-130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL after meals.
• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mmHg or individualized based on comorbidities and risk factors.
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