Author Question: A nurse is working with an elderly male client on a medical unit. Which statement by the nurse is an ... (Read 91 times)

kellyjaisingh · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse is working with an elderly male client on a medical unit. Which statement by the nurse is an example of elderspeak?

1. It's time for us to go to physical therapy.
2. I think it would be better if you were planning to go to a nursing home after discharge.
3. Your children must really love their dad.
4. Your wife must be having trouble adjusting to your illness.

Question 2

A nurse is giving a demonstration of new equipment to the rest of the nursing unit. Which level of proxemics would be appropriate for this situation?

1. Intimate
2. Personal
3. Social
4. Public

cam1229 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Elderspeak is a speech style, similar to baby talk, that gives a message of dependence and incompetence to older adults. Characteristics of elderspeak include inappropriate terms of endearment, inappropriate plural pronoun use (it's time for us to go to physical therapy), tag questions, and slow, loud speech.
Rationale 2: Telling the client that he needs to go to a nursing home is insensitive.
Rationale 3: Noting that the children love their father is not an example of elderspeak, merely the nurse making observations to the client.
Rationale 4: Making comments about the wife's adjustments to the illness is not an example of elderspeak, merely the nurse making observations to the client.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Intimate distance is touching or up to 1-1/2 feet. This would be appropriate when cuddling a baby, touching a sightless client, repositioning a client, observing an incision, and restraining a toddler for an injection.
Rationale 2: Personal distance is 1-1/2 to 4 feet and is less overwhelming than intimate distance. Much communication between nurses and clients occurs at this distance, such as sitting with a client, giving medications, or establishing an IV.
Rationale 3: Social distance is characterized by a clear, visual perception of the whole person and generally 4 to 12 feet in distance. Social distance is important in accomplishing the business of the day. It is expedient in communicating with several people at the same time or within a short time, which would be the case in this situation.
Rationale 4: Public distance is 12 to 15 feet and requires loud, clear vocalizations. It is used most often with a group of people or in the community.