The nurse recognizes that the older adult client's tendency to take smaller steps with feet kept closer together will most likely result in which one of the following?

Question

a. It will increase the client's risk of injury resulting from falls.
b. It will result in less stress on the client's knees, hips, and ankles.
c. It will decrease the amount of energy the client expends on movement.
d. It will allow for mobility in spite of the effects of aging on the client's joints.

Answer 1

A
The older adult client may take smaller steps, keeping the feet closer together, which decreases the base of support. Thus body balance is unstable, and the older adult is at greater risk for falls and injuries.
This tendency may not necessarily result in less stress on the client's knees, hips, and ankles.
This tendency may not necessarily decrease the amount of energy the client expends on move-ment.
This tendency may not necessarily allow for mobility in spite of the effects of aging on the cli-ent's joints.