An older adult is diagnosed to be in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease. The diagnosis is made on the presence of which of the following outcomes? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: Performing all activities of daily living (ADLs) and then resting is not a good instruction for the older adult who has COPD, as it can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and anxiety. The nurse would advise the older adult to pace themselves and prioritize the most important activities, and to take breaks between tasks.

Choice B reason: Bathing and eating slowly with periodic rest is a good instruction for the older adult who has COPD, as it can help conserve energy, prevent dyspnea, and improve digestion. The nurse would advise the older adult to use a shower chair or a handheld showerhead, to avoid hot water or steam, and to use a fan or an open window for ventilation. The nurse would also advise the older adult to eat small, frequent meals, to avoid foods that cause gas or bloating, and to drink fluids between meals rather than with them.

Choice C reason: Walking short distances without oxygen is not a safe instruction for the older adult who has COPD, as it can cause hypoxia, which is a low level of oxygen in the blood. The nurse would advise the older adult to use oxygen therapy as prescribed by their doctor, and to monitor their oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter. The nurse would also advise the older adult to exercise regularly, but to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration, and to stop if they feel dizzy, chest pain, or severe breathlessness.

Choice D reason: Bathing right after eating and then resting is not a helpful instruction for the older adult who has COPD, as it can cause indigestion, reflux, or aspiration. The nurse would advise the older adult to wait at least an hour after eating before bathing, and to avoid lying down right after eating or bathing. The nurse would also advise the older adult to elevate their head with pillows when resting or sleeping, and to avoid napping during the day.

Choice A: Reduce the proportion of older adults with untreated caries. This is a correct answer because it is one of the Healthy People 2020 oral health objectives for older adults¹. Untreated caries can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss, and reduced quality of life². Reducing the prevalence of untreated caries can improve the oral health and well-being of older adults.

Choice B: Reduce the proportion of adults with untreated dental decay. This is an incorrect answer because it is not specific to older adults. The Healthy People 2020 oral health objectives for adults include reducing the proportion of adults aged 35 to 44 years with untreated dental decay¹. However, this does not address the unique needs and challenges of older adults, such as increased risk of root caries, dry mouth, and periodontal disease².

Choice C: Prevent and control oral and craniofacial diseases, conditions, and injuries. This is a correct answer because it is the overall goal of the Healthy People 2020 oral health objectives¹. Oral and craniofacial diseases, conditions, and injuries can affect the function, appearance, and quality of life of older adults². Preventing and controlling these problems can help older adults maintain their oral health and general health.

Choice D: Improve access to preventive services and dental care. This is a correct answer because it is one of the Healthy People 2020 oral health objectives for older adults¹. Access to preventive services and dental care can help older adults prevent oral diseases, detect problems early, and receive appropriate treatment². However, many older adults face barriers to accessing oral health care, such as lack of dental insurance, transportation, or awareness³. Improving access to oral health care can reduce these disparities and improve the oral health outcomes of older adults.