Which strategy can the nurse use to effectively approach the older adult client during the health history?
Keep the pace of the history moving forward to reduce time.
Limit the use of brief screening tools
Limit open-ended questions.
Have the room well-lit with minimal background noise.
The Correct Answer is D
(A) Keep the pace of the history moving forward to reduce time: While it's important to be efficient, rushing through the health history can compromise the quality of the information gathered. Older adults may need more time to recall details and respond thoughtfully. Ensuring a thorough and patient approach is essential for obtaining accurate and comprehensive information.
(B) Limit the use of brief screening tools: Brief screening tools can be valuable for identifying specific health issues quickly and efficiently. Limiting their use might lead to missing important information or failing to detect underlying conditions. Using appropriate screening tools helps in capturing relevant data and providing a better overall assessment.
(C) Limit open-ended questions: Open-ended questions are crucial in obtaining detailed and descriptive responses from older adults. Limiting their use could hinder the ability to understand the client’s complete health history and concerns. These questions encourage clients to elaborate on their experiences and provide more nuanced information.
(D) Have the room well-lit with minimal background noise: A well-lit room with minimal background noise creates an environment conducive to effective communication. Older adults might have impaired vision or hearing, so ensuring good lighting and reducing distractions helps them focus and respond more accurately. This strategy enhances the accuracy of the health history and facilitates better interaction between the nurse and client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Pectoralis major tear: A tear of the pectoralis major muscle would likely cause pain and weakness, particularly in activities involving pushing or lifting. While it may affect shoulder movements, it is less likely to specifically impair the ability to reach behind the back and touch the shoulder blade compared to rotator cuff issues.
B) Arthritis: Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, can cause decreased range of motion and pain in the shoulder joint. However, the specific movement described—placing one hand behind the back to touch the shoulder blade—is most commonly affected by issues with the rotator cuff rather than arthritis alone.
C) Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: Rotator cuff tendinitis is a common cause of shoulder pain and decreased range of motion, particularly affecting movements that require lifting the arm or reaching behind the back. Tendinitis in the rotator cuff can lead to pain and difficulty performing the movement described due to inflammation and impingement of the tendons.
D) Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe but can affect other joints. While it can cause joint pain and inflammation, it is less likely to specifically impair the shoulder movement described compared to rotator cuff tendinitis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Instruct the patient on Tripod positioning: Tripod positioning, where the patient leans forward with hands on their knees or a table, is beneficial for COPD patients. It helps improve ventilation by allowing the diaphragm to work more efficiently and aiding in the expansion of the lungs. This position also utilizes accessory muscles, which can help ease breathing and reduce the work of respiration.
B) Restrict the client's fluid intake to less than 2 L/day: Restricting fluid intake is generally not advisable for COPD patients unless there is a specific condition such as severe heart failure where fluid restriction is necessary. Adequate fluid intake helps to thin mucus, making it easier to expectorate and thus supports better lung function and overall respiratory health.
C) Provide the client with a low-protein diet: COPD patients typically require a higher-protein diet to maintain muscle mass and strength, which are crucial for overall health and respiratory function. A low-protein diet can lead to muscle wasting, including the respiratory muscles, which can worsen respiratory symptoms and functional status.
D) Have the client use the early-morning hours for exercise and activity: While regular exercise is important, the timing should be based on the client's individual preferences and tolerance. For some patients, early morning might not be the best time due to morning symptoms or fatigue. The exercise plan should be customized to fit the patient’s daily routine and energy levels.
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