The nurse is working with an older adult client who has osteoarthritis that affects the mobility of both hips

Question

In developing a plan of care, the nurse must consider the recommended levels of physical activity according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Which goal is the most appropriate for this client?
1. The client will bicycle at 10 mph for 1 hour or more every day.
2. The client will jog for 15 minutes per day 5 days per week.
3. The client will walk at least 5 mph for 15 minutes per day.
4. The client will swim for 15 minutes per day 5 days per week.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4
The CDC recommends that older adults follow the same guidelines for physical activity as adults (moderate intensity physical activity at least 2 hours and 30 minutes per week or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of moderate and vigorous physical activity per week); if chronic conditions cause limitations, older adults should participate in as much physical activity as their condition allows. Swimming would place the least amount of strain on the hip joints affected by the osteoarthritis, and 15 minutes per day 5 days per week is moderate physical activity that would help maintain joint mobility. The options of bicycling, jogging, and walking at the paces described would be considered vigorous physical activity and would place strain on the client's hips.