A charge nurse in a long-term care facility is developing an educational program for staff members about common physiological changes in older adults. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A) Initiate frequent, short periods of exercise throughout the day: Frequent, short periods of exercise are beneficial for a client with left-sided hemiplegia. Regular movement helps maintain joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall functional ability. This approach can prevent complications such as contractures and muscle atrophy.

B) Decrease the amount of range of motion performed if tightness occurs: If tightness occurs, rather than decreasing range of motion, it is important to address it through appropriate stretching and adjustments in exercise technique. Reducing range of motion could lead to further loss of mobility and function.

C) Perform range-of-motion exercises to the affected side once per day: Performing range-of-motion exercises only once per day is generally insufficient. To maintain or improve mobility and prevent contractures, range-of-motion exercises should be performed multiple times throughout the day, as directed by the care plan.

D) Avoid repetitive movements during exercise: Repetitive movements are not necessarily harmful and can be beneficial for improving motor function and muscle coordination. However, it is important to balance repetitive exercises with variety and adjust based on the client’s condition and tolerance.

A) "Drink whole milk instead of skim milk": Whole milk contains higher levels of saturated fats compared to skim milk. For individuals with hyperlipidemia, it is advisable to reduce intake of saturated fats to help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Drinking skim or low-fat milk is a healthier option to manage lipid levels.

B) "Limit saturated fat to 15 percent of total daily fat intake": The American Heart Association recommends that saturated fat intake should be limited to less than 7% of total daily calories for those managing hyperlipidemia. Limiting saturated fat to 15% is too high and can contribute to increased cholesterol levels, negatively impacting cardiovascular health.

C) "Select trans fats for daily fat intake": Trans fats are known to significantly raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. It is essential to avoid trans fats altogether in the diet, as they are detrimental to cardiovascular health.

D) "Replace red meat with fish three times per week": Replacing red meat with fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, can be beneficial for individuals with hyperlipidemia. Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower triglyceride levels, reduce inflammation, and improve overall heart health. This dietary change supports better lipid management and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.