A nurse is assessing the risk factors for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in older adult clients.

Which of the following factors should the nurse consider?

(Select all that apply.).

The correct answer is A.“Do you drive your own car or use public transportation?.” This question is appropriate for the domain ofmode of transportation, which is one of the eight areas of occupational performance assessed by the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) Scale.The scale evaluates a person’s ability to engage in more complex activities thought necessary for functioning in community settings.

Choice B is wrong because it is not related to the domain of mode of transportation, but rather to the domain ofability to use a telephone.The scale asks about the person’s ability to operate a telephone, dial numbers, and answer calls.

Choice C is wrong because it is not related to the domain of mode of transportation, but rather to the domain ofshopping.The scale asks about the person’s ability to take care of all shopping needs independently, shop for small purchases, or need assistance with shopping.

Choice D is wrong because it is not related to the domain of mode of transportation, but rather to the domain ofmobility.The scale does not assess mobility directly, but it may be inferred from the person’s ability to travel by public transportation or car.

The Lawton IADLs Scale has a summary score that ranges from 0 (low function, dependent) to 8 (high function, independent) for women, and 0 to 5 for men.The score identifies areas of need in regard to care and support.

The correct answer isD.

All of the above.All of these findings are risk factors for falls in older adults, according to the literature.

Some explanations for why each choice is a risk factor are:.

A. Orthostatic hypotension: This is a condition where blood pressure drops too much when getting up from lying down or sitting, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.This can affect balance and increase the chance of falling.

B. Urinary frequency: This is a condition where one needs to urinate often, sometimes urgently.This can cause rushed movement to the bathroom, especially at night, which can lead to tripping, slipping, or losing balance.

C. Visual impairment: This is a condition where one has reduced or distorted vision, such as due to cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy.This can affect depth perception, contrast sensitivity, and ability to detect obstacles or hazards in the environment.

Some normal ranges for these conditions are:.

• Orthostatic hypotension: A normal blood pressure change when standing up is less than 20 mmHg systolic (top number) or 10 mmHg diastolic (bottom number).

Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop of at least 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic within 3 minutes of standing.

• Urinary frequency: A normal urinary frequency is about 4 to 6 times per day, depending on fluid intake and other factors.

Urinary frequency is considered abnormal if it is more than 8 times per day or more than 2 times per night.

• Visual impairment: A normal visual acuity is 20/20 or better with or without correction.

Visual impairment is defined as a visual acuity of 20/40 or worse in the better-seeing eye with best correction possible.