A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about reducing the risk for healthcare-associated infections.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

Widened peripheral vision. This choice is not an expected change in an older adult's vision. As individuals age, peripheral vision may diminish, but it doesn't typically widen. Therefore, this choice is not appropriate.

Choice C rationale:

Eyes with large pupils. Older adults often experience changes in the size of their pupils due to the aging process. Pupils may become smaller and less responsive to light, not larger. Thus, this choice is not accurate.

Choice D rationale:

Infections of the eye. While eye infections can occur in any age group, there's no specific reason to monitor an older adult for eye infections unless there are signs or symptoms suggesting an issue. It's not a routine aspect of care for older adults. Now, let's discuss the rationale for the correct answer, choice B:

Choice B rationale:

Increase in accommodation to near vision. This is the correct answer because it is a common age-related change in vision known as presbyopia. As individuals age, their ability to accommodate or focus on near objects diminishes. This change typically begins in the early 40s and progresses over time. It's a result of the lens of the eye becoming less flexible. Older adults may need reading glasses or bifocals to improve their near vision. The nurse should plan to monitor for this change as part of routine care for an older adult.

Choice A rationale:

Tightening abdominal muscles is not the first action the nurse should take when repositioning a client. Repositioning a client requires proper body mechanics and coordination. Tightening abdominal muscles may not be as effective or safe as other actions in ensuring the client's safety during repositioning.

Choice B rationale:

Raising the height of the client's bed is not the first action the nurse should take when repositioning a client. Adjusting the bed height is a secondary consideration and can be done after ensuring proper body mechanics and patient safety during the repositioning process.

Choice C rationale:

Pivoting the feet in the direction of the move is a crucial step when repositioning a client. This action allows the nurse to maintain balance and control during the transfer. It also reduces the risk of injury to the nurse and the client. However, it is not the first action to be taken.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the feet in line with the shoulders is the first action the nurse should take when repositioning a client. This wide base of support provides stability and balance. It allows the nurse to maintain control during the repositioning process, reducing the risk of injury to both the nurse and the client. After achieving this stable stance, pivoting the feet in the direction of the move is the next step to facilitate the repositioning.