Which is the most likely reason that thyroid disorders are often difficult to diagnose in older adults?

Choice A reason: Empowering older adults to manage chronic illness is a way of promoting self-care and autonomy, but it is not a specific example of leadership in the care of older people.

Choice B reason: Coordinating members of the health care team is a way of demonstrating leadership in the care of older people, as it involves communication, collaboration, and delegation of tasks among different professionals and disciplines.

Choice C reason: Facilitating access to elder care programs is a way of providing resources and support for older people, but it is not a direct example of leadership in the care of older people.

Choice D reason: Assessing older adults effectively is a way of ensuring quality and safety in the care of older people, but it is not a unique example of leadership in the care of older people.

Choice A reason: Measure the blood pressure in sitting and standing positions is not the next action by the nurse, as it is not relevant to the situation. The nurse should compare the blood pressure readings from both arms, not from different postures.

Choice B reason: Measure the blood pressure in the left arm is the next action by the nurse, as it can help determine if the high blood pressure is consistent or isolated to one arm. A difference of more than 10 mm Hg between the arms may indicate a vascular problem, such as atherosclerosis, aneurysm, or coarctation of the aorta.

Choice C reason: Document the findings in the medical record; elevated blood pressures are normal in older adults is not the next action by the nurse, as it is inaccurate and irresponsible. The nurse should not assume that elevated blood pressures are normal in older adults, as they may indicate hypertension, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney damage. The nurse should also not document the findings without further assessment and intervention.

Choice D reason: Immediately contact the medical provider is not the next action by the nurse, as it may be premature and unnecessary. The nurse should first confirm the accuracy of the blood pressure readings by measuring the blood pressure in the left arm and checking the calibration of the device. The nurse should also consider other factors that may affect the blood pressure, such as pain, stress, caffeine, or medication.

Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is the next action by the nurse.