Question

The nurse works with older adult clients in a wellness-screening clinic on a weekly basis. Which of the following is the best statement made by the nurse to clients in the older adult age group?

a. "Your shoulder pain is normal for your age."
b. "Regular exercise will maintain and strengthen your functional ability."
c. "Don't worry about taking that combination of medications because your doctor has prescribed them."
d. "Why don't you begin walking 3 to 4 km per day, and we'll evaluate how you feel next week?"

Answer 1

The best statement by the nurse is to endorse regular exercise to maintain and strengthen functional ability in older adults, which aligns with evidence showing the benefits of an active lifestyle for reducing the impact of aging.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate statement the nurse can make to the older adult clients in a wellness-screening clinic is: "Regular exercise will maintain and strengthen your functional ability." This statement promotes an active lifestyle, which studies have shown can slow down the progressive impact of aging. Encouraging regular exercise is key for maintaining physical and mental health among the elderly. It is important for the nurse to avoid making assumptions about pain being normal due to age, as well as giving advice on medication without proper evaluation or suggesting sudden intense physical activity, such as walking 3 to 4 km per day without knowing the client's current physical condition.

The progressive impact of aging varies among individuals, but adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise can minimize physical decline and improve the overall quality of life. It's also critical for healthcare professionals to personalize recommendations and avoid making generalized statements that might not apply to every individual's health status.