A 68-year-old client reports tremors. Which statement is appropriate to tell the patient?

A 68-year-old client reports tremors. Which statement is appropriate to tell the patient?

• A. This is nothing to worry about and is common with aging.
• B. Increase your potassium intake.
• C. We need to let your primary health care provider know because it may indicate a problem.
• D. Have someone check your blood pressure the next time you experience tremors.

Answer: (C)

New tremors in an older adult should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to identify any underlying issue. Tremors can be a sign of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, medication effects, or metabolic problems like thyroid or electrolyte disturbances. Telling the patient to inform their primary care provider is the best step because it prompts a proper assessment with history, examination, and possibly tests to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. It isn’t helpful to suggest increasing potassium, as that won’t treat tremors and could be unsafe. Merely having blood pressure checked during tremors doesn’t address the underlying cause, whereas a medical evaluation can. Prompt, professional evaluation helps ensure any serious condition is identified and managed.

New tremors in an older adult should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to identify any underlying issue. Tremors can be a sign of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, medication effects, or metabolic problems like thyroid or electrolyte disturbances. Telling the patient to inform their primary care provider is the best step because it prompts a proper assessment with history, examination, and possibly tests to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. It isn’t helpful to suggest increasing potassium, as that won’t treat tremors and could be unsafe. Merely having blood pressure checked during tremors doesn’t address the underlying cause, whereas a medical evaluation can. Prompt, professional evaluation helps ensure any serious condition is identified and managed.