A hospitalized elderly client is recovering from an acute illness. As the client nears the end of his hospitalization, he questions the nurse about medications and care after discharge. The gerontological nurse should:

Question

1. Informing the physician the client needs to go to a nursing home.
2. Assess the client's independence and ability to function in his own home before discharge.
3. Tell the client not to worry about going home.
4. Invite the client's family to come to the hospital so the nurse can explain the client's care to them.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Informing the physician the client needs long-term care is inappropriate at this point.
Rationale 2: Older adults often perceive that being in the hospital could change their ability to be autonomous and independent. As a result, the nurse needs to assess the older adult's stage or perception of need for control and autonomy during his hospitalization and his fears and hopes about being discharged from the hospital setting.
Rationale 3: Telling the client not to worry is not therapeutic and does not address his concerns.
Rationale 4: The client is a capable adult and should be included in all decision-making situations not having them deferred to the family.