You are the head nurse of a gerontology unit in a hospital. You have been asked to prepare a workshop for new staff and clinicians about how to communicate effectively with elderly patients. Identify three specific age-related changes that might impact an elderly patient's ability to understand and follow medical advice.

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The Answer is It is essential that 1) the patient comprehend procedures. Therefore, make sure that the patient has the necessary assistance for sensory losses: 2) make sure hearing aids are in during physician rounds, 3) ensure that the patient has his or her glasses on, and 4) have follow-up instructions printed in large print for the patient to take home and follow.
In addition, staff should 5) avoid elderspeak, which may offend and actually reduce the speaker's understandability and 6) avoid engaging with a patient who is multitasking (e.g., making sure that hurried staff do not provide medication instructions to patients while they are reading an informed consent form).

You Are the Head Nurse of a Gerontology Unit in a Hospital