Author Question: An older adult presents to the clinic for a routine physical examination. The client reports having ... (Read 94 times)

urbanoutfitters · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

An older adult presents to the clinic for a routine physical examination. The client reports having trouble with memory and often has to search for words when having a conversation with friends or family.

Which assessment tools will help the nurse to gather more data about this client's concerns?

1. The Denver II.
2. Mini-Mental Status Examination.
3. Life Experiences Survey.
4. Hassles and Uplifts Scale.

Question 2

The nurse is talking with an older adult client who has recently retired after 45 years of working as an executive at the same company. Which activity demonstrates that the client is adjusting to this new phase of life?

1. The client spends most of the day at home and declines invitations to outside gatherings with friends because there is so much to do at home.
2. The client has enrolled in courses at the local university to complete the college degree that was started years ago, but interrupted by family responsibilities.
3. The client has lunch at the company cafeteria several times each week.
4. The client has purchased hearing aids, but rarely uses them.

kalskdjl1212 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2

The nurse should use the Mini-Mental Status Examination to gather more information about the cognitive status of this client. This tool is also useful to estimate cognitive impairment as well as to track cognitive changes over time. The Denver II is a screening tool used to assess personal-social, fine motor adaptive, language, and gross motor skills in children between birth and 6 years of age. The Life Experiences Survey is used to evaluate the level of stress an individual is experiencing; this is not appropriate for this client's concerns. The Hassles and Uplifts Scale measures attitudes about daily situations; it does not screen for cognitive changes.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2

Enrolling in college courses is an activity that can be very fulfilling in the older adult years, especially after retirement when there is more time to pursue interests. This can provide a stimulating environment intellectually and socially, as well as give a person a sense of self-worth and accomplishment. Spending the day at home and declining outside invitations may be a sign that the client is not adjusting well to retirement. Eating lunch at the company cafeteria several times a week does not demonstrate a healthy adjustment to retirement. Refusing to wear hearing aids may indicate that the client is not adjusting to the physical changes of the older adult years.