Which of the following statements made by a nurse reflects a need for

Which of the following statements made by a nurse reflects a need for further instruction re-garding communicating with the older adult client?

1. “Children and the elderly have the same communication barriers.”
2. “If I tell him why he needs to know something, he’ll usually listen.”
3. “Hearing deficits can certainly make communication a challenge.”
4. “I always try to have family around when I talk with an elderly client.”

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Even though some older adults have communication barriers, you need to communicate with them on an adult level and avoid patronizing or speaking in a condescending manner. Older adults do not necessarily have the same barriers as children. The remaining options reflect inter-ventions and/or statements that are not inappropriate and so do not require further instructions.