Question

A home health nurse is visiting an older adult client who notes that unwashed dishes are piled up and newspapers cover the front steps. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask the client to determine if the client is socially isolated?

a. Are you able to prepare your meals and keep up with household chores?
b. How often do you engage in social activities or spend time with friends?
c. Do you have any medical conditions that limit your ability to leave the house?
d. Have you experienced any recent changes in your physical health or mobility?

Answer 1

The most suitable question to determine an older adult client’s social isolation is “How often do you engage in social activities or spend time with friends?” This inquiry explicitly addresses the client’s social interactions, which is one of the clearest indicators of social isolation.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine if the client is socially isolated, the nurse should ask questions that reveal the extent of the client’s engagement with others and their ability to conduct daily activities that typically involve interaction. The question “How often do you engage in social activities or spend time with friends?” directly inquires about the client’s social life, which can indicate social isolation. Additionally, questions about the client's physical health or mobility, such as “Have you experienced any recent changes in your physical health or mobility?” and “Do you have any medical conditions that limit your ability to leave the house?” are crucial since health issues can contribute to isolation. When assessing an older adult, it's essential to understand their living situation and routines, including aspects like the ability to perform household chores and meal preparation.

However, the most appropriate question to assess social isolation would be about their engagement in social activities, as this directly captures whether or not they are actually integrating with their social environment.