The nurse is assisting with the admission of an older adult client who fell at home 3 days ago. The client has a fractured hip, malnutrition, and dehydration. Which of the following lab values should indicate to the nurse that the patient has prolonged malnutrition?

A. Turn out the lights in client's room at night

This can increase confusion or fear in clients with dementia, especially at night (sundowning). A nightlight is preferred to reduce disorientation.

B. Restrain the client during the nighttime hours

Physical restraints can increase agitation, injury, and are not recommended unless absolutely necessary. This is not a first-line intervention.

C. Provide continuous orientation to the client

Frequent reorientation helps reduce confusion. Strategies like using clocks, calendars, and familiar items are beneficial in managing sundowning and wandering.

D. Place the client’s mattress on the floor

This may help prevent injury from falls but does not address the cause of agitation or wandering. It’s a safety measure, not a therapeutic one.

A. Decision making skills

Decision-making often remains intact with age unless cognitive impairment is present.

B. Cognitive capacity

Normal aging does not significantly impair cognition; changes are usually subtle and not generalized.

C. Creative ability

Creativity often remains strong into older age and may even increase with experience.

D. Short-term memory

This is a common and expected change with normal aging. Older adults may take longer to learn new information or recall recent events.