A primary care clinic nurse is discussing lifestyle choices with a 68-year-old client. The client states, "I recently stopped my daily walks because sudden confusion and severe fatigue are just normal parts of getting older. Also, I have started drinking three glasses of wine each night to help me sleep." Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
- Sudden confusion is not an expected part of aging, and alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle; let us evaluate these symptoms and discuss healthier rest habits.Answer
- BWhile confusion and fatigue are normal age-related changes, reducing your evening alcohol intake is a necessary lifestyle choice for your liver health.
- CWhy did you start drinking wine every night? You should not worry about the fatigue because older bodies naturally require more downtime.
- DPerforming a routine cognitive screening today is a primary prevention measure that will address your confusion and improve your sleep quality.
Answer
The correct response addresses both the acute safety concern by clarifying that sudden confusion is abnormal, and provides accurate lifestyle education by explaining that alcohol disrupts sleep.
This response effectively promotes healthy lifestyle choices while maintaining physiological safety. It corrects the dangerous misconception that sudden confusion is normal, ensuring the client receives necessary medical evaluation. Furthermore, it provides accurate health education by addressing the client's lifestyle choice, noting that while alcohol may initially induce drowsiness, it fragments sleep and disrupts the REM cycle, ultimately worsening fatigue.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Health Promotion and Maintenance: Lifestyle Choices in the Older Adult