Which of the following responses by an older-adult client is most refl

Which of the following responses by an older-adult client is most reflective of a need for further education by the nurse regarding the physiological changes associated with the older adult?

1. “I call a cab if I want to go out after dark.”
2. “I can’t help worrying about becoming forgetful.”
3. “I have my eyes checked regularly. Can’t afford to fall.”
4. “I really enjoy eating good vanilla ice cream, but I have cut way down.”

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Although some “forgetfulness” is accepted, memory loss is not a normal physiological change of aging. This expressed fear requires further education by the nurse so as to help eliminate the cli-ent’s concerns. A common physiological change in the older-adult client is an increased sensitiv-ity to glare, which makes night driving difficult. A common physiological change in the old-er-adult client is an alteration in visual acuity, which would require regular vision check-ups. Hy-perlipidemia is a concern regarding cardiac health and should be considered by the older adult.