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Social Isolation
Social Isolation ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is assessing an older adult client who lives alone and has no relatives nearby. The nurse suspects that the client is experiencing social isolation.
Which of the following findings support this suspicion?
(Select all that apply.).
The client reports feeling lonely and depressed most of the time, and the client rarely attends social activities or events in the neighborhood.These are both signs of social isolation and loneliness, which are important, yet neglected, social determinants of the health of older adults.Social isolation is an objective absence or lack of social contact with others, whereas loneliness is defined as an undesirable subjective experience of unfulfilled social contacts and/or needs.Both can have serious negative effects on physical and mental health, such as cognitive decline, depression, heart disease, and even death.
This is wrong because having difficulty hearing and wearing a hearing aid does not necessarily mean that the client is socially isolated or lonely.Hearing loss can be a risk factor for social isolation and loneliness, but it can be mitigated by using assistive devices, communicating effectively, and seeking support.
This is wrong because having a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus does not indicate that the client is socially isolated or lonely.
These are chronic conditions that can affect the quality of life of older adults, but they are not directly related to social isolation or loneliness.However, social isolation and loneliness can worsen these conditions by affecting blood pressure, immune system, and self-care.
The client reports feeling lonely and depressed most of the time, and the client rarely attends social activities or events in the neighborhood.These are both signs of social isolation and loneliness, which are important, yet neglected, social determinants of the health of older adults.Social isolation is an objective absence or lack of social contact with others, whereas loneliness is defined as an undesirable subjective experience of unfulfilled social contacts and/or needs.Both can have serious negative effects on physical and mental health, such as cognitive decline, depression, heart disease, and even death.
This is wrong because having poor hygiene and grooming habits does not imply that the client is socially isolated or lonely.
Poor hygiene and grooming habits can be a result of various factors, such as depression, dementia, physical disability, or lack of resources.
They can also affect the client’s self-esteem and social interactions, but they are not necessarily caused by social isolation or loneliness.
The correct answer is A and D.
The client reports feeling lonely and depressed most of the time, and the client rarely attends social activities or events in the neighborhood. These are both signs of social isolation and loneliness, which are important, yet neglected, social determinants of the health of older adults. Social isolation is an objective absence or lack of social contact with others, whereas loneliness is defined as an undesirable subjective experience of unfulfilled social contacts and/or needs. Both can have serious negative effects on physical and mental health, such as cognitive decline, depression, heart disease, and even death.
Choice B is wrong because having difficulty hearing and wearing a hearing aid does not necessarily mean that the client is socially isolated or lonely. Hearing loss can be a risk factor for social isolation and loneliness, but it can be mitigated by using assistive devices, communicating effectively, and seeking support.
Choice C is wrong because having a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus does not indicate that the client is socially isolated or lonely.
These are chronic conditions that can affect the quality of life of older adults, but they are not directly related to social isolation or loneliness. However, social isolation and loneliness can worsen these conditions by affecting blood pressure, immune system, and self-care.
Choice E is wrong because having poor hygiene and grooming habits does not imply that the client is socially isolated or lonely.
Poor hygiene and grooming habits can be a result of various factors, such as depression, dementia, physical disability, or lack of resources.
They can also affect the client’s self-esteem and social interactions, but they are not necessarily caused by social isolation or loneliness.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are less than 120/80 mmHg for adults, and for blood glucose are 70 to 100 mg/dL for fasting plasma glucose.