Care Of The Older Adult > Fundamentals
Exam Review
Social Isolation
Total Questions : 4
Showing 4 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is assessing an older adult client who lives alone and has no relatives nearby. The nurse suspects that the client is experiencing social isolation.
Which of the following findings support this suspicion?
(Select all that apply.).
Explanation
The correct answer is A and D.
The client reports feeling lonely and depressed most of the time, and the client rarely attends social activities or events in the neighborhood.These are both signs of social isolation and loneliness, which are important, yet neglected, social determinants of the health of older adults.Social isolation is an objective absence or lack of social contact with others, whereas loneliness is defined as an undesirable subjective experience of unfulfilled social contacts and/or needs.Both can have serious negative effects on physical and mental health, such as cognitive decline, depression, heart disease, and even death.
Choice B is wrong because having difficulty hearing and wearing a hearing aid does not necessarily mean that the client is socially isolated or lonely.Hearing loss can be a risk factor for social isolation and loneliness, but it can be mitigated by using assistive devices, communicating effectively, and seeking support.
Choice C is wrong because having a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus does not indicate that the client is socially isolated or lonely.
These are chronic conditions that can affect the quality of life of older adults, but they are not directly related to social isolation or loneliness.However, social isolation and loneliness can worsen these conditions by affecting blood pressure, immune system, and self-care.
Choice E is wrong because having poor hygiene and grooming habits does not imply that the client is socially isolated or lonely.
Poor hygiene and grooming habits can be a result of various factors, such as depression, dementia, physical disability, or lack of resources.
They can also affect the client’s self-esteem and social interactions, but they are not necessarily caused by social isolation or loneliness.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are less than 120/80 mmHg for adults, and for blood glucose are 70 to 100 mg/dL for fasting plasma glucose.
A nurse is planning interventions to prevent or reduce social isolation in older adult clients.
Which of the following interventions are appropriate for this purpose?
(Select all that apply.).
Explanation
The correct answer is A, B, C and D.These interventions are appropriate for preventing or reducing social isolation in older adult clients because they address the factors that can contribute to social isolation and loneliness, such as loss of social network, support system, preferences, interests, abilities, values, hearing, vision or mobility.
Choice E is wrong because restricting the clients’ access to media or technology that may cause stress or anxiety is not an effective way to prevent or reduce social isolation.Media or technology can be a source of information, communication and entertainment for older adults, and can help them stay connected with their family, friends and community.
Instead of restricting access, the nurse should help the clients use media or technology safely and appropriately, and provide them with alternative sources of positive stimulation.
Normal ranges for social isolation and loneliness are difficult to define because they are subjective and context-dependent experiences.However, some indicators of social isolation and loneliness include having few or no social contacts, feeling unhappy or dissatisfied with one’s social relationships, feeling disconnected from others or society, and having low levels of social support.Social isolation and loneliness can have serious negative impacts on the physical and mental health of older adults, such as increased risks of depression, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease and mortality.
Therefore, it is important to assess and intervene for these conditions in older adult clients.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has been admitted to the hospital for pneumonia.
The client tells the nurse that he feels isolated and lonely since his wife died a year ago.
Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
Explanation
The correct answer is A.
“I’m sorry for your loss.
How have you been coping with your grief?.” This response by the nurse is appropriate because it acknowledges the client’s feelings, expresses empathy, and invites the client to share more about his situation.
This can help the client feel supported and validated.
Choice B is wrong because it minimizes the client’s loss and implies that he should not feel sad or lonely.
This can make the client feel dismissed and misunderstood.
Choice C is wrong because it assumes that the client feels comforted by the presence of the staff, who are not his family or friends.
This can make the client feel isolated and patronized.
Choice D is wrong because it suggests that the client should find new relationships to replace his wife, which can be insensitive and unrealistic.
This can make the client feel pressured and guilty.
A nurse is conducting a home visit for an older adult client who has mild cognitive impairment and lives with her daughter. The daughter tells the nurse that she is worried about her mother’s social isolation because she does not have any friends or hobbies.
Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?
Explanation
The correct answer is A.
“Maybe you can enroll your mother in a day care program where she can interact with other older adults.” This statement by the nurse is appropriate because it suggests a possible solution to the client’s social isolation that is respectful of her preferences and needs.A day care program can provide opportunities for socialization, stimulation, and support for older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Choice B is wrong because it assumes that the client can learn new skills or activities, which may not be realistic or enjoyable for her.
Choice C is wrong because it places the burden of socialization on the daughter’s friends or relatives, who may not be interested or available to spend time with the client.
Choice D is wrong because it does not address the client’s social isolation, but only provides a change of scenery.
Social isolation is a common problem among older adults, especially those who live alone or have cognitive impairment.It can lead to depression, anxiety, loneliness, and poor quality of life.Therefore, it is important for nurses to assess the social needs of older adult clients and provide appropriate interventions to enhance their social well-being.
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