A nurse is assessing an older adult client. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected physiological change associated with aging?

The correct answer is choice c. List of community resources.

Choice A rationale:

Emergency contact information is typically found in the patient’s admission records or demographic section, not in the discharge summary.

Choice B rationale:

Intake and output summary is part of the daily nursing notes or fluid balance chart, not usually included in the discharge summary.

Choice C rationale:

The discharge summary often includes a list of community resources to support the patient after discharge, such as contact information for follow-up care, support groups, or home health services.

Choice D rationale:

Basic demographic data is recorded in the patient’s initial admission records and is not typically repeated in the discharge summary.

Choice A rationale:

Exerting firm pressure when placing the probe (Choice A) is not recommended because it can potentially compress the blood vessels and impede blood flow. This can lead to inaccurate readings and compromise the assessment of the pedal pulses in a client with peripheral vascular disease.

Choice B rationale:

Applying the probe to the exterior aspect of the ankle (Choice B) is not the standard approach for assessing pedal pulses. The pedal pulses are typically assessed on the dorsal (top) and posterior (back) aspects of the foot, as well as the lateral (side) aspects of the ankle. Placing the probe on the exterior aspect of the ankle might not yield accurate results.

Choice C rationale:

Moving the probe until a whooshing sound is present (Choice C) is the correct action when using a Doppler ultrasound stethoscope to assess pedal pulses. The whooshing sound, known as "Doppler sound," indicates the presence of blood flow. The nurse should gently maneuver the probe until this sound is heard, allowing for an accurate assessment of the pulses and blood flow status.

Choice D rationale:

Holding the probe at a 30° angle to the blood vessel (Choice D) is not a standard practice for assessing pedal pulses with a Doppler ultrasound stethoscope. The nurse should place the probe directly over the pulse site and adjust its position until the Doppler sound is detected.