When planning discharge care for an older adult who is divorced, recently retired, and diagnosed with situational depression, the nurse learns that the patient's only child has moved 300 miles away. What is the nurse's best initial action?
a. Contact the child to discuss the parent's care needs.
b. Arrange for live-in help to provide for the patient's care needs.
c. Discuss the possibility of relocating to an assisted living center a reasonable distance from the child.
d. Assess availability of other family members and social support systems to assist the patient in meeting care needs.
D
Until a comprehensive assessment of the patient's family and social support systems is performed, it is impossible to consider any of the other options.
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A client exhibiting dependent behaviors says, "Do you think I should move from my parent's house and get a job?" Which nursing response is most appropriate?
1. "It would be best to do that in order to increase independence." 2. "Why would you want to leave a secure home?" 3. "Let's discuss and explore all of your options." 4. "I'm afraid you would feel very guilty leaving your parents."
What is the primary reason the nurse needs to be a skilled critical thinker?
1. To earn promotions at work 2. To pass the nurse licensure exam 3. To graduate at the top of the class 4. To provide excellent patient care
Which of the following factors most contributes to the fact that society is experiencing an increased burden for entitlement programs for the elderly?
A) The rights of older citizens to receive health services unavailable to other age groups B) The increasing ratio of dependent elderly to productive workers C) Growing public attention to policy and reimbursement decisions that are not in the best interest of elders D) The widening scope and increased accountability of gerontological nurses
A nurse is preparing to teach a client how to walk with crutches. To ensure client safety and comfort, the crutch pad should fit approximately how many inches below the axilla?
a. 1 c. 2-1/2 to 3 b. 1-1/2 to 2 d. 4