NCLEX: A 78-year-old client in a long-term care facility is being evaluated for nursing care related to older adult chan…

Psychology / lifespan development Health Promotion and Maintenance

Case Study

A 78-year-old client in a long-term care facility is being evaluated for nursing care related to older adult changes. Assessment data include the caregiver reports new confusion since yesterday morning. Which intervention best reduces the client's risk of complications?

Question

A. Restrict all movement without individualized assessment.
B. Delay teaching until the day of discharge only.
C. Ignore small changes until they become severe.
D. Identify risk early, implement prevention measures, teach warning signs, and plan timely reassessment.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. Identify risk early, implement prevention measures, teach warning signs, and plan timely reassessment.

Rationale: Risk reduction focuses on early identification, prevention, teaching, and reassessment rather than unnecessary restriction or delay.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Older adult changes