A nurse is performing screening assessments for active older adult clients at a community clinic. Which of the following tests should the nurse include in the screening?

Choice A Reason:
Using short, simple sentences is an effective communication strategy for clients experiencing moderate anxiety. Anxiety can impair cognitive processing, making it difficult for clients to understand complex information. By using clear and concise language, the nurse can help the client better comprehend what to expect after the cardiac catheterization. This approach reduces the client's anxiety by providing information in a manageable format.

Choice B Reason:
Showing a 30-minute teaching video might be overwhelming for a client with moderate anxiety. While visual aids can be helpful, the length and complexity of the video could increase the client's anxiety rather than alleviate it. It is important to tailor the educational approach to the client's current emotional state, ensuring that the information is presented in a way that is easy to understand and not overwhelming.

Choice C Reason:
Providing detailed explanations can be counterproductive for a client with moderate anxiety. Detailed information might overwhelm the client, leading to increased anxiety and difficulty in processing the information. Instead, the nurse should focus on delivering key points in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that the client understands the most important aspects of the procedure and what to expect afterward.

Choice D Reason:
Avoiding questions is not an effective strategy for client education. Asking questions allows the nurse to assess the client's understanding and address any concerns or misconceptions. Engaging the client in a dialogue helps to build rapport and ensures that the client feels supported and informed. It is important to create an open and interactive environment where the client feels comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns.

Choice A: Client appears to be well-groomed.
Reason: Being well-groomed can indicate that the client is taking care of their personal hygiene and appearance, which is often a sign of improved mental health and self-esteem. This is particularly relevant for clients with anxiety or depression, as neglecting personal care can be a symptom of these conditions.
Choice B: Client’s current weight is 54 kg (119 lb).
Reason: The client’s weight has remained stable since admission (54.4 kg to 54 kg). While this indicates no further weight loss, it does not necessarily indicate an improvement in anxiety symptoms. Weight stability alone is not a direct indicator of mental health improvement.
Choice C: Client states they are sleeping 5 to 6 hours per night but having an occasional nightmare.
Reason: An increase in sleep duration from 3-4 hours to 5-6 hours per night suggests an improvement in the client’s sleep pattern, which is a positive sign in managing anxiety. Occasional nightmares are still present, but the overall increase in sleep is beneficial.
Choice D: Verbalizes decreased appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Reason: Continued decreased appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort indicate ongoing anxiety symptoms. These are not signs of improvement and suggest that the client is still experiencing significant anxiety.
Choice E: Client states, “I feel anxious about leaving my house. I feel like everyone is staring at me and judging me.”
Reason: This statement reflects ongoing social anxiety and fear of judgment, indicating that the client is still struggling with anxiety symptoms. This is not an indicator of improvement.
Choice F: Verbalizes that bullying experienced during high school has led to anxiety.
Reason: Acknowledging the source of anxiety (bullying) is important for therapy, but it does not directly indicate an improvement in the client’s current anxiety symptoms.
Choice G: Client engages in thought-stopping behavioral therapy and cognitive restructuring.
Reason: Active participation in therapeutic techniques like thought-stopping and cognitive restructuring indicates that the client is engaging in strategies to manage and reduce anxiety. This is a positive sign of improvement.
Choice H: Client reports taking escitalopram 20 mg daily 2 hr after breakfast.
Reason: Consistent medication adherence is crucial for managing anxiety symptoms. The client’s regular intake of escitalopram suggests they are following their treatment plan, which is a positive indicator of improvement.