Author Question: A 78-year-old woman with COPD and degenerative arthritis affecting her lower back and legs says she ... (Read 68 times)

schs14 · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

A 78-year-old woman with COPD and degenerative arthritis affecting her lower back and legs says she cannot exercise. She stays at home and has someone deliver her food and other necessities. What would be an appropriate intervention?

a. Suggest that she accept her limitations and live as best she can
b. Explain to her the importance of exer-ciseeven for someone with her limitations. Suggest that she use a walker or wheelchair, pace herself slowly, and use oxygen if necessary, but to try to get out, go to the market, and interact with people
c. Suggest that she consider moving to an as-sisted living facility
d. Both B and C

Question 2

Mr. Tyler, a 68-year-old black man, complains of urinary frequency and an interrupted stream. What would be an appropriate response?

a. Discuss with him that he may have prostate cancer
b. Suggest that he see a physician for a PSA test
c. Tell him it is a completely normal part of aging
d. Tell him to accept it and do nothing

miss.ashley · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Giving concrete suggestions on how to live better at home and function independently while getting some exercise is appropriate. Suggesting that she think about an assisted living facility where she may have help as needed but maintain independence is also appropriate. Many assisted living facilities also have scheduled and age-appropriate exercise programs.

Answer to Question 2

B
Symptoms of frequent urination, interruption in urinary stream, and dribbling of urine are common signs of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), which is common in older men. The symptoms should be reported to a physician, who may suggest a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to help in diagnosis and assessing the possibility of cancer. Response A is inappropriate at this time. Response C is not the best answer. Although some urinary tract changes may occur with aging, the specific symptoms mentioned are characteristics of BPH. The symptoms can be embarrassing and annoying, so they should not be ignored (response D).