A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to an older adult client who is scheduled for surgery.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote learning?

Choice A rationale:

Using a 12-point font when printing written materials is helpful for readability, especially for individuals with visual impairments. However, this action alone does not necessarily promote meaningful learning. The content and presentation style are equally important.

Choice B rationale:

Presenting information using abstract concepts can be confusing, especially for older adults. Using concrete examples and simple language facilitates better understanding. Abstract concepts are more challenging to grasp, especially for individuals who might be experiencing cognitive decline.

Choice C rationale:

Connecting new information with the client's past experiences enhances learning and retention. Relating new knowledge to familiar situations or memories helps create cognitive associations, making it easier for the client to understand and remember the information. This technique is particularly effective in promoting learning among older adults.

Choice D rationale:

Speaking loudly when addressing the client is unnecessary and can be perceived as rude or patronizing. Clear and audible speech is essential, but shouting or raising the volume excessively is not respectful and does not enhance the learning experience.

Choice A rationale:

Crackles in the lungs are a common manifestation of heart failure. Heart failure can cause fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to crackles upon auscultation. This finding is due to pulmonary congestion and is indicative of heart failure exacerbation.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased thirst is not a typical manifestation of heart failure. In fact, patients with heart failure often experience increased thirst due to fluid shifts and increased blood volume, leading to increased urine output and dehydration.

Choice C rationale:

Poor skin turgor is not a specific manifestation of heart failure. Skin turgor is commonly assessed to determine hydration status, but it is not directly related to heart failure.

Choice D rationale:

Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is a common manifestation of heart failure. The heart beats faster to compensate for its decreased pumping efficiency. Tachycardia helps maintain cardiac output, but it is not a primary cause of heart failure; instead, it is a physiological response to the condition.