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NCLEX · Aging and Older Adults

What is a general communication adaptation a nurse may use for an older adult who has mild hearing changes?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Face the client, speak clearly at a moderate pace, reduce background noise, and confirm understanding

  1. A Shout loudly from across the room
  2. B Face the client, speak clearly at a moderate pace, reduce background noise, and confirm understanding
  3. C Use only written notes regardless of the client's literacy
  4. D Avoid speaking to the client

Why this is the answer

For an older adult with mild hearing changes, helpful general communication adaptations include facing the client so they can see your face, speaking clearly at a normal-to-slightly-slower pace and lower pitch, reducing background noise, and confirming the client understood. Shouting can distort speech and seem disrespectful, avoiding speaking isolates the client, and relying solely on written notes ignores the individual's needs and literacy. Adapting communication to sensory changes supports effective, respectful care. Understanding these communication adaptations for older adults is a standard health-promotion concept. (Verify against current NCLEX prep materials.)
Source: NCLEX-PN Health Promotion — Communication with Older Adults

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About this topic: Aging and Older Adults

Aging and older-adult questions cover normal changes of aging versus disease, fall and injury prevention, polypharmacy, and promoting independence and safety in older clients. This is one of 8 PN: Health Promotion and Maintenance questions on aging and older adults, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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