Final answer:
The nurse should initiate a conversation about the client's knee pain during the initial assessment. Joint pain can be caused by factors such as arthritis, injury, or wear and tear on the joints. By addressing the issue, the nurse can gather important information to develop an appropriate care plan.
Step-by-step explanation:
As people age, they may start experiencing joint pain, including in the knees. Joint pain is common in older adults, and it can be a result of various factors, such as arthritis, injury, or wear and tear on the joints.
In the case of the older adult client who is unable to walk without support due to knee pain, the nurse should initiate a conversation about the client's pain during the initial assessment. The nurse can ask open-ended questions to encourage the client to express any pain or discomfort they may be experiencing in their knees. Additionally, the nurse can inquire about the client's medical history, previous injuries, and activities that aggravate the knee pain.
By addressing the issue of knee pain, the nurse can gather important information to develop an appropriate care plan tailored to the client's needs.