A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has erectile dysfunction due to diabetes mellitus.

The client asks the nurse what he can do to improve his sexual function.

Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

These interventions are appropriate for reducing social isolation in older adult clients who live in a long-term care facility because they provide opportunities for social interaction, support, comfort and familiarity.

Choice A is correct because group activities such as games, music, art or exercise can foster a sense of belonging, enjoyment and engagement among older adults.Group activities can also improve physical and mental health, cognitive function and well-being.

Choice B is correct because encouraging family members or volunteers to visit or call the clients regularly can enhance the quality and quantity of social relationships, which can reduce loneliness and isolation.Family members or volunteers can also provide emotional support, companionship and practical assistance to the clients.

Choice C is correct because creating a homelike environment that promotes comfort, safety and privacy can increase the clients’ satisfaction, autonomy and dignity.A homelike environment can also facilitate social interactions among the clients and the staff by providing common areas, personal belongings and familiar objects.

Choice D is correct because assigning consistent staff members who are familiar with the clients’ needs and preferences can improve the continuity and quality of care, as well as the trust and rapport between the clients and the staff.Consistent staff members can also recognize and respond to the clients’ social needs and preferences, and provide personalized interventions.

Choice E is incorrect because providing feedback or recognition for the clients’ achievements or contributions may not be effective in reducing social isolation, unless it is combined with other interventions that promote social interaction and support.Feedback or recognition alone may not address the underlying causes of social isolation, such as lack of meaningful relationships, low self-esteem or poor health.

Normal ranges for social isolation and loneliness are difficult to define, as they depend on various factors such as individual characteristics, cultural norms and measurement tools.However, some indicators of social isolation include having few or no social contacts, participating in few or no social activities, feeling disconnected from others or society, and having low levels of perceived social support.Some indicators of loneliness include feeling unhappy about one’s social situation, feeling left out or unwanted, lacking companionship or intimacy, and having low levels of perceived belongingness or connectedness.

The correct answer isA, B, C and E.These interventions are consistent with the best practices for optimizing functional status in the elderly.

Some explanations for the choices are:.

• Choice A is correct because physical activity and exercise can help maintain muscle strength, joint mobility, balance and coordination, which are essential for functional independence and quality of life.

• Choice B is correct because adequate nutrition and hydration can prevent malnutrition, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can impair physical and cognitive function and increase the risk of complications.

• Choice C is correct because managing chronic diseases and medications can prevent complications, adverse effects and polypharmacy, which can affect functional status and increase the need for health care services.

• Choice D is wrong because providing assistive devices and adaptive equipment is not an intervention to improve functional status, but rather to enhance mobility, safety and independence for patients who already have functional limitations.

The question asks for interventions to improve functional status, not to compensate for it.

• Choice E is correct because modifying the environment can reduce hazards, improve accessibility and facilitate self-care, which can promote functional independence and prevent injuries or falls.

The normal ranges for blood glucose and blood pressure for older adults with diabetes and hypertension are:.

• Blood glucose: 80-130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL after meals.

• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mmHg or individualized based on comorbidities and risk factors.