Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

How should a nurse assess an elderly client’s instrumental activities of daily living?

1. By inquiring about their social interactions

2. By asking about their shopping frequency

3. By assessing their medication management habits

4. By reviewing their medical history

The correct answer is: By asking about their shopping frequency

To assess an elderly client’s instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), it is important to focus on tasks that are more complex than basic daily self-care but are essential for living independently. Asking about shopping frequency is particularly relevant because it directly evaluates the client’s ability to engage in community activities, manage finances, and transport themselves, all of which are critical components of IADLs. Shopping requires a combination of skills, including decision making (what to buy), physical capability (getting to and from the store), time management, and budgeting. Understanding how frequently and independently the client shops can provide significant insights into their overall functional ability and independence. While inquiring about social interactions, assessing medication management habits, and reviewing medical history can provide useful background information, they do not specifically address the functional capacity related to instrumental activities. Social interactions might reflect emotional well-being but don't necessarily demonstrate day-to-day functional independence. Medication management is indeed an IADL but is less comprehensive than shopping regarding evaluating a range of everyday living challenges. Reviewing medical history provides context but lacks the practical insight into current functional abilities that shopping frequency can reveal.