A client who is 75 years old tells the nurse that he feels lonely and isolated since his wife died last year.He says he has no friends or family nearby and rarely leaves his home.

Which of the following interventions should the nurse suggest to help the client cope with his situation? (Select all that apply.).

The correct answer is A, C, and E.

These interventions are aimed at helping the client cope with his situation by providing new opportunities for social connection, companionship, and support.According to the APA, loneliness is a cognitive discomfort or uneasiness from perceiving oneself to be alone.It can be caused by various factors such as physical isolation, lack of close confidants, personality factors, psychological disorders, cultural factors, or relationship loss.Loneliness can have negative effects on the physical and mental health of older adults, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and mortality.

Choice B is wrong because referring the client to a home health aide for assistance with daily activities does not address his emotional needs or help him cope with his loneliness.

It may even increase his sense of dependency and isolation.

Choice D is wrong because teaching the client some relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety may be helpful for his mental well-being, but it does not address the root cause of his loneliness or help him establish meaningful social relationships.

Some nursing interventions for loneliness are:.

• Determining the patient’s available support system such as family and friends and nurturing their relationships to counteract loneliness.

• Providing therapy or counseling for the patient to address their emotional needs and coping skills.

• Supporting the patient to improve the quality of their existing relationships, working on their attitudes, expectations and skills around relationships.

• Providing new opportunities for social connection, such as group activities, volunteering, or online communities.

• Using psychological therapies such as mindfulness, lessons on friendship, robotic pets, and social facilitation software to reduce loneliness.

Normal ranges for vital signs in older adults are:.

• Temperature: 36.1°C to 36.8°C (97°F to 98.2°F).

• Pulse: 60 to 100 beats per minute.

• Respirations: 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

• Blood pressure: less than 120/80 mm Hg.

The correct answer is A.

“It’s Monday, June 3rd.” The nurse should give the client factual and specific information to orient them to time and place.This can help reduce confusion and anxiety for the client who has mild cognitive impairment.

Choice B is wrong because it is dismissive and does not address the client’s question.

Choice C is wrong because it is sarcastic and may make the client feel ashamed or embarrassed.

Choice D is wrong because it is vague and does not provide direct information to the client.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a mild decline in single or multiple cognitive domains, while global cognition and basic activities of daily living remain intact.Nurses play an important role in early detection of MCI and providing care to maintain maximum independence for persons with MCI.Some of the nursing interventions for MCI include:.

• Assessing the patient’s environment and surroundings for the presence of hazards and removing them.

• Providing cues and reminders to help the patient remember important information and tasks.

• Encouraging the patient to engage in physical, cognitive, and social activities that can stimulate brain function and delay cognitive decline.

• Educating the patient and family about MCI, its causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

• Referring the patient to appropriate resources and support services such as memory clinics, support groups, or counseling.