Question

A nurse is teaching an older adult client about health promotion. The nurse should instruct the client to have which of the following examinations performed on a regular basis? (Select all that apply)

A) Vision screening every year
B) Hearing test every 5 years
C) Dental examination every 6 months
D) Skin cancer screening every 2 years

Answer 1

The nurse should recommend an older adult client to have annual vision screenings, dental examinations every six months, and regular skin cancer screenings, ideally annually, for early detection and better health outcomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

For health promotion in an older adult client, the nurse should recommend having certain examinations on a regular basis. Among these, a vision screening should be performed every year, as visual acuity can decline with age, increasing the risk of falls and other accidents. Secondly, a dental examination every six months is advised to maintain oral health and prevent issues such as tooth decay and gum disease, which can affect overall health. Lastly, regular skin cancer screening is particularly important for early detection, especially for those with risk factors. The frequency of skin cancer screenings can vary based on individual risk factors, but a general recommendation is to have annual skin checks by a dermatologist.

To address the student's multi-part question specifically:

• A) Vision screening should be conducted every year.
• C) A dental examination is recommended every six months.
• D) Skin cancer screenings should ideally be done annually, especially for those with high exposure to UV light or a history of skin cancer.

While a hearing test is also essential, it may not necessarily need to be conducted every five years unless the client has known hearing issues or is experiencing hearing loss.