Question 1

A hospitalised older adult client is recovering from an acute illness. As the client nears the end of his hospitalisation, he questions the nurse about medications and care after discharge. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

It is important for the nurse to assess the client's ability to function independently and safely at home before discharge. This includes evaluating the client's current living situation, home environment, and support system. The nurse should also review the client's medications and provide clear instructions for taking them after discharge. Inviting family members to the hospital can be helpful in some cases, but it is not necessary or appropriate for every client. Telling the client not to worry or suggesting a nursing home without a proper assessment are not helpful or appropriate responses.

Question 2

A group of older adult clients is interested in living options available in the community when they may need some assistance with their daily needs. Which of the following would the nurse suggest as possibilities to meet these needs?

Accepted Answer

Home care packages and adult day-care centres are good options for older adults who need assistance with daily needs but still want to maintain some independence and stay in their own homes. Hospices are typically reserved for individuals with terminal illnesses and provide end-of-life care, while long-term care facilities are often seen as a last resort for those who are unable to care for themselves or do not have support systems in place.

Question 3

An older person is hospitalised and having difficulty coping with the end-of-life decisions to be made. She is feeling very isolated from her regular church group. The nurse recognises the importance of her spiritual beliefs by:

Accepted Answer

The best choice is to organise the church group to visit her as this will provide her with the spiritual and emotional support she needs. A nurse should support the patient's spiritual beliefs and offer appropriate resources for them. Planning for her funeral may not be a priority for her at this stage, and asking the family to help her make a decision may not address her need for spiritual support. Diverting her attention to the television is not helpful in this situation.

Question 4

The nurse is reviewing the chart of an older adult client before the client comes into the clinic. In this review, the nurse reads that the client has sarcopenia. What will the nurse expect to find the client complaining of?

Accepted Answer

Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function that commonly occurs with aging. A client with sarcopenia will complain of lack of strength and tiring easily. Hair loss and thin skin are symptoms of aging but are not directly related to sarcopenia. Bleeding and bruising tendencies are associated with blood disorders, and weight loss and nausea may be associated with other health conditions but not necessarily sarcopenia.

Question 5

A client comes to the clinic and complains of not being able to hold her urine, stating: "I feel so terrible. This shouldn't happen at my age". The nurse's best response is:

Accepted Answer

The nurse's best response is to assess the client's condition and ask more questions to identify potential causes. This approach is more proactive and helps the nurse provide the client with the best possible care. Option B and C may seem dismissive or insensitive, and option D does not address the underlying problem or offer any solutions.

Question 6

A nurse is working with a group of clients in a community centre, all over the age of 85. This group is referred to as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

According to gerontological research, the age group of over 85 is referred to as "old-old." The "young-old" group generally includes people between 65 and 74 years of age. The "middle-old" group ranges from 75 to 84, and the "elite-old" group typically includes those who are over 100.

Question 7

An older male adult client comes to the clinic and states to the nurse that he hasn't been interested in sexual intercourse lately. He states: "I guess this is part of getting old, too". What should the nurse understand about decreased sexual interest in older adult clients?

Accepted Answer

Decreased sexual interest is a common experience for older adults, but it does not completely disappear. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as health conditions, medication side effects, and emotional factors. It should be taken seriously and addressed with the client to determine any underlying causes and potential interventions to improve sexual function and satisfaction. While hormone activity may be one contributing factor, it is not the sole cause and there are interventions beyond hormone therapy that can be explored.

Question 8

The nurse is working with a group of older adults at a community health centre. In planning any health program, the nurse will implement Erikson's (1963) theory of task development. The nurse realises that in this stage, the successful completion of the task allows the person to:

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of task development, the final stage of life is characterized by the task of integrity vs. despair. Successful completion of this task allows the person to feel a sense of satisfaction from past accomplishments, while failure to complete this task can lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness. Therefore, choice D is the best answer.

Question 9

A nurse is visiting an older woman who is living with her daughter. One day the client tells her that her daughter locks her in her room sometimes, and threatens to send her away to a nursing home. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

The nurse should address the safety concerns of the client by discussing the available resources for support with the daughter. This may include home health care where the client can receive care and support in their own home or respite care, which allows caregivers to take a break while their loved one receives care in a facility. This approach might be the best option for the client, since it will satisfy her needs and keep her secure. Reporting the crime to the police or taking the client to the hospital is not the best solution at this point, as it is not clear if the woman is being abused or if her daughter is simply overworked, burdened by her responsibilities as a caregiver, and lacking effective coping skills to handle the situation. Threatening the daughter with legal action might also be counterproductive and potentially cause further stress and conflict.

Question 10

A nurse is teaching a wellness class for older adults. In order to address the sensory loss that accompanies the ageing process, the nurse should recommend that these clients:

Accepted Answer

Brighter lighting can help compensate for the decreased vision that often accompanies aging, making it easier for older adults to see and navigate their environment safely.

Question 11

Nurses caring for older people need to be aware of their own values and attitudes because:

Accepted Answer

Nurses caring for older people need to be aware of their own values and attitudes so that they do not unintentionally perpetuate myths and stereotypes about aging and older people. This can impact the quality of care provided and the way older people are treated. Additionally, it is important to recognize that every older person is unique and has different needs, so assumptions should not be made based on age alone.

Question 12

An older adult client comes to the clinic after checking his blood pressure several times in the local chemist. The nurse checks the blood pressure and finds that it is 146/80. The nurse's best response to this client is:

Accepted Answer

A systolic pressure of 146 falls under the category of Stage 1 hypertension, which requires further evaluation and management. The nurse should inform the client that their systolic pressure is too high and continue to monitor it. It is important to educate the client on lifestyle modifications such as exercise and a healthy diet to help manage their blood pressure. The nurse should also consult with the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Option A is dismissive and does not address the issue at hand. Option B is inappropriate as medication should not be the first line of management without further evaluation. Option D is inaccurate as high blood pressure is not normal at any age.

Question 13

An older adult client comes in complaining of gastrointestinal problems, including frequent constipation and a dry mouth. The client has not had any recent weight loss. What should the nurse realise about these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Gastrointestinal problems, including constipation and dry mouth, can be related to normal age-related changes. The lack of recent weight loss also suggests that there may not be a more serious underlying condition causing these symptoms. Therefore, option A is the best choice. Options B, C, and D are unlikely based on the given information.

Question 14

An older adult client who has had a stroke is ready for hospital discharge. How should the nurse case manager support this client's independence?

Accepted Answer

Allowing the client to be actively involved in all decisions made empowers them to take control of their own care and promotes their independence. It is important for the nurse case manager to work with the client and their family members to ensure that the client's preferences and needs are met. While working with other healthcare professionals is necessary, it is ultimately up to the client to make decisions about their own care.

Question 15

A group of nursing students is doing their first clinical rotation in a long-term care facility. The nurse educator, in meeting the needs of this particular client group, reminds students to:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a client's self-respect is important in all interactions, regardless of age or ability. This is especially important in a long-term care facility, where clients may feel a loss of independence and control over their lives. It is important for nursing students to encourage and support client autonomy as much as possible, while still providing necessary care and assistance.

Question 16

A client has been diagnosed with dementia. The family wants to know how to plan for the future. The best response by the nurse is:

Accepted Answer

The nurse should provide accurate information to the family about the nature of dementia, which is a progressive deterioration. This will allow them to plan for the future and make decisions about care options. It is also important for the family to be aware of the specific symptoms associated with dementia, so they can be prepared to manage them as they arise. The other options are not accurate or helpful responses to the family's question.

Question 17

A nurse is presenting a health education program to a group of older adults at a senior citizens centre. Considering the physiological changes of this age group, how should the temperature of the room be set?

Accepted Answer

Older adults often have decreased circulation and may feel colder than younger people. Setting the room warmer accommodates their comfort and physiological needs.

Question 18

A school nurse is bringing a group of students to a nursing home for a social exchange project. Before the students arrive, the nurse reminds them to do which of the following when speaking to the residents?

Accepted Answer

Speaking distinctly and facing the residents is important as many older adults may have hearing difficulties, and speaking loudly or into their ears may be uncomfortable or ineffective. Writing out what they want to say may also be helpful, but it is not necessary for all interactions.

Question 19

A nurse is working with clients in an assisted living facility. In the past month, there have been several deaths of some partners of the residents, and some single members of the facility. In helping the remaining residents deal with these deaths, the nurse understands that adjustment may be easier according to continuity theory for:

Accepted Answer

According to continuity theory, people have a tendency to maintain consistency in their personality, behavior, and relationships across the lifespan. Therefore, a resident who had a wide circle of friends, besides her spouse, might have an easier time adjusting to the loss of a partner because she still has other social connections to help her maintain her sense of identity and social support system.

Question 20

A nurse who works in a long-term care facility has noticed that one of the residents has been forgetting names of staff members and has not been doing some of the cares that this resident was able to do just in the week prior. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse who works in a long-term...

Quiz 24: Promoting Health in Older Adults