Why is this assessment important?

With a geriatric client, the nurse should also assess whether he has been obtaining a yearly vaccination against influenza.

Why is this assessment important?
A . Influenza is growing in our society.
B . Older clients generally are sicker than others when stricken with flu.
C . Older clients have less effective immune systems.
D . Older clients have more exposure to the causative agents.

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

(A) Although influenza is common, the elderly are more at risk because of decreased effectiveness of their immune system, not because the incidence is increasing.

(B) Older clients have the same degree of illness when stricken as other populations.

(C) As people age, their immune system becomes less effective, increasing their risk for influenza.

(D) Older clients have no more exposure to the causative agents than do school-age children, for example.