A nurse is reinforcing teaching with an older adult client about physical changes that occur with aging. Which of the following should the nurse include as an expected age-related change?

c. Hallucination

In the scenario described, the client's experience of receiving special audible messages from the Central Intelligence Agency that no one else can hear indicates a hallucination. Hallucinations are perceptual disturbances in which a person experiences sensory perceptions without any external stimuli. They can occur in any sensory modality, such as hearing (auditory hallucinations), seeing (visual hallucinations), smelling (olfactory hallucinations), tasting (gustatory hallucinations), or feeling (tactile hallucinations).

In this case, the client is experiencing auditory hallucinations, as he is perceiving auditory stimuli (audible messages) that are not present in the external environment. Auditory hallucinations are most commonly associated with schizophrenia, although they can occur in other psychiatric disorders as well.

Derealization (option a) refers to a subjective feeling of unreality or detachment from the environment. It involves a perception that the external world is strange, distorted, or unreal. This is not the primary alteration in perception described in the scenario.

Illusion (option b) is a misinterpretation or misperception of a real sensory stimulus. It occurs when a person's perception of an actual stimulus is distorted or misunderstood. There is no indication of a misperception of a real stimulus in the scenario.

Depersonalization (option d) is a subjective experience of being detached from one's own body, thoughts, or emotions. It involves a feeling of being outside of oneself or observing oneself from a distance. This is not the primary alteration in perception described in the scenario.

Therefore, the correct answer is c. Hallucination, as the client's experience of receiving special audible messages that no one else can hear represents an auditory hallucination.

a. "Many people have colostomies and they live full lives."

Explanation:

The correct answer is a. "Many people have colostomies and they live full lives."

When a client expresses concerns or distress regarding their colostomy and not wanting others to see the colostomy bag, it is essential for the nurse to provide support and reassurance. Responding by acknowledging that many people live full lives with colostomies helps normalize the experience and offers hope to the client.

Option b, "Would it help to speak to someone else who has a colostomy?" may be a helpful suggestion, but it should not be the initial response. First, it is important to provide immediate reassurance and support to the client before exploring additional resources or contacts.

Option c, "Why don't you want people to see the colostomy bag?" may be seen as invasive and may put the client on the spot, potentially making them feel uncomfortable or defensive. It is important to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for the client.

Option d, "The colostomy is probably only temporary," assumes information about the client's specific situation that may not be accurate. It is important to avoid making assumptions about the duration or permanence of the colostomy unless the client has shared that information. Providing false reassurances can negatively impact the client's trust and emotional well-being.

By responding with the statement that many people live full lives with colostomies, the nurse offers support, normalizes the client's experience, and promotes a positive outlook for the client's future.