The nurse is teaching an elderly patient about nail care and hygiene. The nurse should instruct the patient to do which of the following?

(Select all that apply.).

The correct answer isA, 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.

• Medicationscan 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 problemscan 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 environmentcan 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 incontinencecan 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.

The correct answer isA, B, and E.

The nurse should instruct the patient to do the following:.

• Trim nails straight across and file edges smoothly.

• Soak nails in warm water before trimming to soften them.

• Report any signs of infection or inflammation around nails.

These are good practices for nail hygiene and health, especially for the elderly who may have dry, brittle or thickened nails.Trimming nails straight across and filing them prevents ingrown nails and reduces the risk of injury or infection.Soaking nails in warm water makes them easier to cut and less likely to crack or split.Reporting any signs of infection or inflammation around nails is important to prevent complications and get appropriate treatment.

Choice C is wrong because using a metal nail file or scissors to cut nails can damage the nail plate and cause splitting or tearing.Choice D is wrong because applying a clear nail polish to protect nails from cracking is unnecessary and may worsen nail health by trapping moisture and bacteria under the polish.

To maintain healthy nails, the elderly should also scrub the underside of their nails with soap and water, moisturize their nails and cuticles, avoid biting or chewing their nails, eat nutritious foods rich in calcium and vitamins B and C, and use sterilized nail grooming tools.

:Fingernail Care for the Elderly - assisting hands-il-wi.com:Fingernails: Do’s and don’ts for healthy nails - Mayo Clinic:Nail Hygiene | CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.