A nurse is due to renew their nursing license. Which of the following information should the nurse identify as the purpose of renewal?

Choice A reason: This statement is false and should not be included in the teaching. Increase in saliva production does not increase the risk for dehydration, but rather helps to moisten the mouth and facilitate swallowing and digestion. Saliva production may decrease with aging due to factors such as medication side effects, dry mouth, or reduced fluid intake.

Choice B reason: This statement is false and should not be included in the teaching. Decrease in systolic blood pressure does not increase the risk for dehydration, but rather indicates a lower force of blood against the artery walls. Systolic blood pressure may decrease with aging due to factors such as reduced cardiac output, decreased vascular resistance, or orthostatic hypotension.

Choice C reason: This statement is true and should be included in the teaching. Decrease in kidney function increases the risk for dehydration, as it reduces the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine and conserve water. Kidney function may decrease with aging due to factors such as reduced blood flow, decreased glomerular filtration rate, or loss of nephrons.

Choice D reason: This statement is false and should not be included in the teaching. Increase in percentage of body water does not increase the risk for dehydration, but rather indicates a higher proportion of water in relation to body weight. Percentage of body water may decrease with aging due to factors such as loss of muscle mass, increased fat tissue, or hormonal changes.

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because a nurse’s personal values can and do influence ethical decisions. The nurse should be aware of their own values and how they affect their judgment and actions. The nurse should also respect the values of others and avoid imposing their own values on the clients or colleagues.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect because value clarification is not related to maintaining clinical competency. Value clarification is a process of identifying, examining, and prioritizing one’s values. It can help the nurse to understand their own values and beliefs, as well as those of the clients and the profession.
Choice C reason: This statement is correct because it is important that the nurse is aware of the client’s values. The nurse should assess the client’s values and preferences, and incorporate them into the plan of care. The nurse should also respect the client’s right to self-determination and autonomy, and support the client in making informed decisions.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect because a nurse's behaviors and actions are not called values. Values are the beliefs and principles that guide one’s decisions and actions. A nurse's behaviors and actions are the expressions of their values, as well as their knowledge, skills, and attitudes.