The nurse works with elderly clients in a wellness screening clinic on

The nurse works with elderly clients in a wellness screening clinic on a weekly basis. Which of the following statements made by the nurse is the most therapeutic regarding their mobility?

1. “Your shoulder pain is normal for your age.”
2. “Continue to exercise your joints regularly to your tolerance level.”
3. “Why don’t you begin walking 3 to 4 miles a day, and we’ll evaluate how you feel next week.”
4. “Don’t worry about taking that combination of medications since your doctor has prescribed them.”

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Clients in the older adult age group should be advised to exercise their joints regularly to their level of tolerance. Shoulder pain is not a normal finding in the older adult. It may indicate a con-dition such as arthritis. Exercise programs should begin conservatively and progress slowly. Pe-riodic and thorough review of all medications being used is important to restrict the number of medications used to the fewest necessary. Concurrent use of medications increases the risk for adverse reactions.