Introduction
Introduction ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is conducting a physical assessment of an older adult client who has multiple chronic conditions.The client says, “I’m so tired of taking all these pills and going to all these appointments. What’s the point?” Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
It is dismissive of the client’s feelings and does not address the underlying issues. It may also imply that the client has no reason to feel hopeless or depressed, which can make them feel misunderstood or judged .
It is not empathetic but rather sympathetic. Saying “I understand how you feel” may sound insincere or patronizing, especially if the nurse has not experienced the same situation as the client. It may also discourage the client from sharing more details about their feelings .
It is threatening and coercive.It may make the client feel guilty or fearful about their health condition, which can increase their stress and anxiety. It may also undermine the client’s autonomy and dignity, which are important for older adults .
This statement demonstrates the nurse’s empathy, respect, and active listening skills, which are essential for effective communication with older adult clients . It also invites the client to express their feelings and concerns, which can help the nurse assess the client’s mental health, coping strategies, and social support .
The correct answer is D. “Tell me more about what’s bothering you.” This statement demonstrates the nurse’s empathy, respect, and active listening skills, which are essential for effective communication with older adult clients . It also invites the client to express their feelings and concerns, which can help the nurse assess the client’s mental health, coping strategies, and social support .
Choice A is wrong because it is dismissive of the client’s feelings and does not address the underlying issues. It may also imply that the client has no reason to feel hopeless or depressed, which can make them feel misunderstood or judged .
Choice B is wrong because it is not empathetic but rather sympathetic.
Saying “I understand how you feel” may sound insincere or patronizing, especially if the nurse has not experienced the same situation as the client. It may also discourage the client from sharing more details about their feelings .
Choice C is wrong because it is threatening and coercive.
It may make the client feel guilty or fearful about their health condition, which can increase their stress and anxiety. It may also undermine the client’s autonomy and dignity, which are important for older adults .
Normal ranges for vital signs in older adults are similar to those in younger adults, except for blood pressure, which tends to increase with age due to arterial stiffness. The normal range for systolic blood pressure in older adults is 120-140 mmHg, and for diastolic blood pressure is 60-90 mmHg .