As part of a functional assessment, a nurse is assessing an older ...

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As part of a functional assessment, a nurse is assessing an older adult's ADLs and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). What piece of assessment data would most likely be considered an IADL rather than an ADL?
 
  A) The older adult is able to ambulate to and from the bathroom at home.
  B) The older adult can feed herself independently.
  C) The older adult can dress in the morning without assistance.
  D) The older adult is able to clean and maintain her own apartment.

Question 2

A nurse completes the admission assessment of an 84-year-old client to the long-term care facility. Which assessment finding would direct the nurse to document a deficit in the client's ADLs?
 
  A) The client experiences chronic pain as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.
  B) The client is able to ambulate with a wheeled walker for 60 ft but then requires a rest break.
  C) The client is able to wash self but requires assistance entering and leaving the bathtub.
  D) The client is unable to explain the rationale for each of the prescribed medications.

[morganmarie791]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: D
IADLs refer to tasks higher in complexity than basic ADLs. IADLs include housekeeping and shopping. Toileting, feeding, and dressing are all considered basic ADLs.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: C
ADLs include activities such as bathing, dressing, mouth care, hair care, dietary intake, transfer mobility, ambulation, bed mobility, and bladder and bowel elimination. Ambulation using an assistive device does not normally constitute a deficit in mobility. Chronic pain and unfamiliarity with one's medication regimen are significant assessment findings, but neither constitutes an ADL deficit.