A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has mild cognitive impairment. The client asks the nurse, “What day is it today?” Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

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 isC.

Sexual expression and satisfaction are possible at any age.

This is because sexuality is not only about physical function, but also about feelings, desires, identity, intimacy and connection.Aging does not necessarily diminish these aspects of sexuality, and many older adults enjoy an active and fulfilling sex life.

Choice A is wrong because it assumes that sexual interest and activity decline with age for everyone, which is not true.Some older adults may experience a decrease in sexual desire or frequency due to various factors, such as health conditions, medications, stress, relationship issues or personal preferences, but others may maintain or even increase their sexual interest and activity as they age.

Choice B is wrong because it ignores the fact that aging does bring some physical changes that can affect sexual function and response.

For example, the vagina can become shorter, narrower and less lubricated, which can make vaginal penetration painful or uncomfortable for some women.

Men may experience erectile dysfunction or reduced firmness or size of their erections.These changes do not mean that sex is impossible or undesirable, but they may require some adjustments or alternative ways of expressing sexuality.

Choice D is wrong because it implies that sexual problems and concerns are inevitable with age, which is not true.

While some older adults may face challenges or difficulties in their sexual lives, others may not have any problems or concerns at all.

Moreover, many sexual problems and concerns can be prevented, treated or managed with the help of health care providers, counselors or therapists.Older adults should not accept sexual dissatisfaction as a normal part of aging, but rather seek help and support if they need it.