Question

When assessing an older adult patient, which of the following should the nurse recognize as a normal age-related change? Select all that apply.

1) Urinary incontinence ("dribbling")
2) Frequent loss of balance
3) Diminished acuity of near vision
4) A decline in short-term memory

Answer 1

Normal age-related changes in an older adult patient include diminished acuity of near vision and a decline in short-term memory. Urinary incontinence and frequent loss of balance are not considered normal and may indicate underlying health issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing an older adult patient, several normal age-related changes can be observed. The following are typically considered normal as one ages:

• Diminished acuity of near vision: As people grow older, their vision, particularly near vision, often declines. This is due to the lens of the eye stiffening and the muscles controlling its shape weakening, a condition known as presbyopia.
• A decline in short-term memory: The number of brain cells decreases in old age, and cognitive impairments, such as short-term memory loss, become more common. Mild cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among the elderly.

It is important to note that while urinary incontinence ('dribbling') and frequent loss of balance can be seen in some elderly individuals, these are not considered normal age-related changes. Instead, these could be symptoms of underlying health conditions and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.