What is the most important aspect of care for the nurse to maintain when assisting an older client with urinary incontinence?

Choice A reason: Avoiding sick people and washing hands is the most important client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, as it can reduce the exposure to respiratory infections, which are the main cause of COPD exacerbations. The nurse would advise the older adult to stay away from people who have colds, flu, or other contagious illnesses, and to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Choice B reason: Using low-flow oxygen for dyspnea is a possible client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, but it is not the most important one, as it depends on the severity of the condition and the oxygen saturation level of the patient. The nurse would advise the older adult to use oxygen therapy as prescribed by their doctor, and to monitor their oxygen level with a pulse oximeter.

Choice C reason: Easing breathing by sitting upright is a helpful client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, but it is not the most important one, as it is a supportive measure that does not address the underlying cause of the exacerbation. The nurse would advise the older adult to sit upright or lean forward when they have difficulty breathing, and to use pursed-lip breathing or abdominal breathing techniques.

Choice D reason: Eating nutrient- and calorie-dense foods is a beneficial client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, but it is not the most important one, as it is a long-term strategy that does not prevent the immediate risk of exacerbation. The nurse would advise the older adult to eat a balanced diet that provides enough protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, and to avoid foods that can cause gas, bloating, or reflux.

Choice A reason: Low back pain is a common condition that affects many older adults, as it can be caused by degenerative changes in the spine, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, or muscle strain. Low back pain can be chronic, meaning it lasts for more than three months, and can interfere with daily activities and quality of life.

Choice B reason: Hypoproteinemia is a condition where the level of protein in the blood is abnormally low, which can be caused by malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or inflammation. Hypoproteinemia can cause symptoms such as edema, fatigue, weakness, or hair loss, but it does not usually cause chronic pain.

Choice C reason: Headaches are a common symptom that can affect people of any age, but they are not necessarily chronic or related to aging. Headaches can be caused by various factors, such as stress, dehydration, sinus infection, migraine, or medication. Headaches can be acute, meaning they last for a short time, or chronic, meaning they occur for more than 15 days a month.

Choice D reason: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects many older adults, as it causes the cartilage that cushions the joints to wear away, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it is more common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Osteoarthritis can be chronic, meaning it worsens over time, and can limit the ability to perform daily tasks and enjoy life.

Choice E reason: Hip replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased hip joint with an artificial one, which can improve pain, function, and quality of life. However, hip replacement can also cause chronic pain, either due to complications, such as infection, dislocation, or loosening of the implant, or due to persistent inflammation, nerve damage, or scar tissue.