An 80-year-old client is living alone after his spouse of more than 50 years died recently. While visiting the client at home, the nurse finds that the client is eating well and maintaining his mobility but neglecting his personal hygiene. The nurse notes that the client's clothes are soiled and his body odor is strong. Which action would the nurse do first?

A. Hope for the future

Engaging in spiritual beliefs and practices can provide individuals, including older adults, with a sense of hope and purpose. Spiritual beliefs often offer a framework for understanding life's challenges and uncertainties, and they may provide comfort and assurance about the future.

B. Coping strengths

Spirituality can serve as a source of coping strength for individuals facing difficulties or challenges. By drawing upon their spiritual beliefs and practices, older adults may find resilience, inner strength, and a sense of peace amidst adversity.

C. Empowerment

Actively participating in spiritual beliefs and practices can empower older adult clients by giving them a sense of control, meaning, and connection to something greater than themselves. This sense of empowerment can contribute to their overall well-being and quality of life.

D. Cope with past challenges

Spirituality often provides a framework for understanding and making meaning of past experiences, including challenges or traumas. Engaging in spiritual practices may offer older adults opportunities for reflection, forgiveness, and healing as they come to terms with their past and integrate those experiences into their life narratives.

E. Reminiscence of the past

Spiritual beliefs and practices can evoke memories and facilitate reminiscence of the past for older adults. Engaging in rituals, traditions, or spiritual activities that they are familiar with may trigger memories of significant life events, relationships, or moments of spiritual significance, fostering a sense of continuity and connection across the lifespan.

A. Compensation for slowed response to changes in balance:

This option refers to techniques or strategies that individuals can use to compensate for changes in balance, such as adopting a wider base of support, taking smaller steps, or using handrails for support. While compensation strategies can be helpful in managing balance issues, they may not be sufficient to prevent falls, especially in individuals at increased risk due to factors like wearing an orthotic boot.

B. Use of an assistive device:

This option involves the use of devices such as canes, walkers, or crutches to provide additional support and stability during ambulation. When someone is at an increased risk for falls, especially after being prescribed an orthotic boot, using an assistive device can significantly reduce the risk of falls by providing extra support and helping to maintain balance. Teaching the client about the proper use of an assistive device is an essential aspect of fall prevention education.

C. Use of paths with support devices in case of imbalance:

This option suggests using paths or routes that have support devices, such as handrails or grab bars, available in case the individual experiences imbalance while walking. While having support devices along walking paths can be helpful, it may not always be feasible or practical. Additionally, relying solely on external support devices may not address the underlying issues contributing to the risk of falls, such as impaired balance or mobility.

D. Coordination of walking activities when family is present:

This option involves coordinating walking activities with the presence of family members. While having family members present during walking activities can provide emotional support and assistance if needed, it may not directly address the client's risk of falls or provide strategies for fall prevention. While family support is valuable, it should complement other fall prevention measures rather than serve as the primary strategy for managing fall risk.