The nurse is assessing an older adult client who has osteoporosis and reports frequent falls.
The nurse should ask the client about which of the following factors that could contribute to falls?
(Select all that apply.).
Medications
Vision problems
Home environment.
Thyroid function.
Urinary incontinence.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
The correct answer is A, B, C, and E.
The nurse should ask the client about medications, vision problems, home environment, and urinary incontinence as these are all factors that could contribute to falls in older adults.
• Medications can increase the risk of falls because they can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, or low blood pressure. Some medications that can increase the risk of falls include sedatives, antidepressants, antihypertensives, diuretics, and anticholinergics.
• Vision problems can impair the ability to see obstacles, judge depth and distance, or adjust to changes in light. Some vision problems that can increase the risk of falls include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
• Home environment can pose safety hazards that can cause tripping, slipping, or losing balance. Some home hazards that can increase the risk of falls include loose rugs, clutter, poor lighting, slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and lack of handrails or grab bars.
• Urinary incontinence can lead to rushed movements to the bathroom or frequent nighttime trips that can increase the risk of falls. Urinary incontinence can be caused by various factors such as bladder infections, prostate problems, pelvic floor weakness, or medication side effects.
Choice D is wrong because thyroid function is not a direct factor that contributes to falls in older adults. However, thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can affect other factors such as muscle strength, bone density, heart rate, or blood pressure that can indirectly increase the risk of falls.
Normal ranges for thyroid function tests vary depending on the laboratory and the method used. However, a common reference range for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L and for free thyroxine (FT4) is 0.8 to 1.8 ng/dL.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Intention tremors and nystagmus.These are some of the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that affects the central nervous system and causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.Intention tremors are involuntary shaking movements that occur when a person tries to perform a precise action, such as reaching for an object or writing.Nystagmus is a condition where the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements, often resulting in reduced vision and depth perception.
Choice A is wrong because muscle atrophy and fasciculations are more typical of motor neuron diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which affect the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movements.
Choice C is wrong because flaccid paralysis and areflexia are signs of lower motor neuron lesions, which can be caused by spinal cord injuries, peripheral nerve disorders, or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Choice D is wrong because hyperactive reflexes and spasticity are signs of upper motor neuron lesions, which can be caused by stroke, traumatic brain injury, or cerebral palsy.
Normal ranges for some of the symptoms mentioned are:.
• Intention tremors: none or minimal.
• Nystagmus: none or minimal.
• Muscle atrophy: none or minimal.
• Fasciculations: none or minimal.
• Flaccid paralysis: none or minimal.
• Areflexia: absent or reduced reflexes.
• Hyperactive reflexes: normal or slightly increased reflexes.
• Spasticity: normal or slightly increased muscle tone.
A. Muscle atrophy and fasciculations B.
Intention tremors and nystagmus C.
Flaccid paralysis and areflexia D.
Hyperactive reflexes and spasticity
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D.
All of the above.
The nurse should ask all of these questions to assess the possible causes of the client’s condition.
Depression and social isolation in older adults can be triggered by various factors, such as:.
• Losses or changes in life, such as death of a spouse, retirement, relocation, or chronic illness.
• Lack of social support or contact with family, friends, or neighbors, which can lead to loneliness and reduced self-esteem.
• Decreased engagement or interest in activities or hobbies that provide meaning, pleasure, or stimulation, which can affect mood and cognitive function.
By asking these questions, the nurse can identify the specific factors that contribute to the client’s depression and social isolation, and provide appropriate interventions to address them.
For example, the nurse can:.
• Provide emotional support and empathy to the client and help them cope with their losses or changes.
• Encourage the client to maintain or increase their social interactions and connections with others who share similar interests or experiences.
• Assist the client to resume or find new activities or hobbies that suit their abilities and preferences, and provide positive feedback and reinforcement.
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