Which of the following is a true statement concerning suicide among older adults?

Choice A reason: A licensed practical nurse is qualified to care for the feet of a client with diabetes is false because foot care for people with diabetes requires specialized training and skills that are beyond the scope of practice of a licensed practical nurse. A registered nurse or a podiatrist should provide foot care for people with diabetes, as they can assess, treat, and prevent foot problems such as ulcers, infections, or nerve damage.

Choice B reason: Onychomycosis is quickly eradicated with antifungal creams or powders is false because onychomycosis, or fungal nail infection, is a stubborn and persistent condition that can take months or years to clear. Antifungal creams or powders are usually not effective for onychomycosis, as they cannot penetrate the nail plate. Oral antifungal medication or laser therapy may be needed to treat onychomycosis.

Choice C reason: Maintaining oral hydration may reduce the incidence of xerosis is true because xerosis, or dry skin, is a common problem for older adults, as their skin produces less oil and moisture. Drinking enough fluids can help hydrate the skin and prevent dryness, itching, cracking, or infection. The recommended fluid intake for older adults is 2400 mL/day, according to the National Council on Aging.

Choice D reason: Ram’s-horn nail should be cut to give a smooth, rounded edge is false because ram’s-horn nail, or onychogryphosis, is a condition where the nail becomes thickened, curved, and distorted. Cutting the nail can be difficult and painful, and may cause bleeding or infection. A podiatrist should trim and file the nail, and treat any underlying causes of the condition.

Choice A reason: Determining coughing frequency is not a reliable way to assess whether the client has adhered to prescribed therapy, as coughing can have various causes and may not be related to heart failure or its treatment.

Choice B reason: Checking for peripheral edema is a useful way to assess whether the client has adhered to prescribed therapy, as peripheral edema is a common sign of fluid retention and worsening heart failure. If the client has been taking diuretics as prescribed, the edema should be reduced or absent.

Choice C reason: Auscultating the lungs bilaterally is a helpful way to assess whether the client has adhered to prescribed therapy, as lung sounds can indicate the presence or absence of pulmonary congestion and crackles, which are signs of fluid overload and worsening heart failure. If the client has been taking medications to improve cardiac function and reduce fluid volume as prescribed, the lungs should be clear or improved.

Choice D reason: Assessing diet over the last 48 hours is a relevant way to assess whether the client has adhered to prescribed therapy, as diet can affect fluid and sodium intake and retention, which can worsen heart failure. If the client has been following a low-sodium and fluid-restricted diet as prescribed, the risk of fluid overload and dyspnea should be lower.

Choice E reason: Comparing current weight to baseline is an important way to assess whether the client has adhered to prescribed therapy, as weight can reflect fluid status and changes in heart failure condition. If the client has been taking medications and following dietary recommendations as prescribed, the weight should be stable or decreased.