What should a nurse communicate to an older woman concerned about being shorter than before?

The correct response addresses a common concern among older adults regarding height loss. Height loss can be a normal part of aging, often related to factors such as the compression of intervertebral discs, osteoporosis, and changes in posture. By communicating that it is common to experience height loss with age, the nurse normalizes the experience and reassures the woman that she is not alone in her concern. This helps alleviate anxiety associated with aging and encourages a discussion about maintaining health and safety.

Other choices may imply specific medical conditions that may not apply or might not be the primary reason for the observed height change. For example, osteoporosis is a potential reason for height loss, but suggesting it as a definitive cause without further assessment may induce unnecessary worry. Paget's disease is less common and might not be relevant to the majority of older adults experiencing height loss. Lastly, attributing the situation to shoe height may come off as dismissive and does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting height in older age.