Elder Woman Interview

Today I interviewed an elderly woman who is a resident in the County Nursing Home. As I entered her room, she was sitting up awake and alert. As we talked, I explained to her that as a nursing student, I'm required to complete a paper on any person over the age of sixty-five. I asked her if it would be okay to interview her. She enthusiastically agreed, therefore, I proceeded with the interview.

I first took her vital signs. They were as followed:

Temperature (oral): 97.8

Pulse: 92

Respirations: 22

Blood Pressure: 170/60

She stated my name, followed by hers. She said that she was at home but couldn't recall the time or the year. Therefore, she was oriented to person and place but not to time. As she spoke, her speech was clear and understandable. Her hair and scalp was clean and intact. Facial structures and ears were symmetrical. Her hand-grips were strong and equal. Her nail beds were clean with a capillary refill of < 3 seconds. Her skin was warm and dry with no signs of bruises or abrasions on upper extremities. Her breath sounds were equal bilaterally with no coughing present. Her apical heart rate was 96 beats per minute.

During the course of the interview, she stated that she was born in Tupelo, Ms on September 6, 1921. She worked as a meter maid in Clarksdale, Ms for over twenty years. She said that she was married in Roanoke, Virginia but she couldn't recall the year that it occurred. She had two sons but couldn't remember their birthdates. She said that the only surgery she has experienced was a hysterectomy, which was done some years after her second son was born. She has not been hospitalized in years and never used any type of home remedies that she could recall. She stated that...

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...grains per day. A higher fiber cereal with at least three grams may help. She could also eat wheat bread instead of white. The correct amount of fiber helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and makes bowel elimination easier. She should increase her fat intake by consuming whole milk, beef, nuts, peanut butter, and eggs. The correct amount of fat intake is needed for prolonged low-intensity activity. Her intake of sodium is high. Too much sodium contributes to hypertension and increases calcium loss in urine. She should avoid processed foods, and added table salt, soups and chips.

As the interview came to a close, the resident remained comfortable and seemed to be open to yet more questions. I feel that the interview was a success not only for myself but for her as well. She learned a few simple safety tips and most of all, enjoyed the company.