Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a hallmark sign of infection in young people?

Accepted Answer

In younger people, swollen lymph nodes, high fever, and an elevated white blood cell count are red flags for an infection.

Question 2

What must always be done after an older adult experiences a fall?

Accepted Answer

It cannot and should not be assumed that it's normal for an older adult to fall. A fall could indicate an underlying disease or problem.

Question 3

This type of incontinence occurs when there is an increased pressure in the abdominal cavity during such activities as coughing, sneezing, and lifting:

Accepted Answer

Urinary incontinence is not part of the normal aging process.

Question 4

If a urinary tract infection (UTI) in an older adult goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to:

Accepted Answer

It can be difficult to diagnose UTIs early in older adults because of an absence of dysuria due to the diminished pain response that many older adults experience.

Question 5

The term "cardiovascular disease" includes numerous diseases and conditions such as stroke and hypertension. Which of the following is true of all cardiovascular diseases (CVD)?

Accepted Answer

Cardiovascular disease accounts for more than 27 percent of all deaths nationwide and is the leading cause of death for men and women aged 60 or older.

Question 6

Which of the following symptoms of myocardial infarction are most typically experienced by older adults?

Accepted Answer

Syncope, stroke, and acute confusion are more likely to be the sole presenting symptoms of myocardial infarction as people age.

Question 7

Which of the following statements is true regarding cancer among older adults?

Accepted Answer

The incidence of most cancers increases with age up to age 85 and then begins to level off after age 95. Cancer as a cause of death in this age group becomes less likely as other chronic diseases become more prevalent.

Question 8

Symptoms of diabetes in older adults that are often overlooked include:

Accepted Answer

In older adults, signs of diabetes such as polyuria, weight loss, prolonged healing, confusion or delirium, may be missed or misinterpreted.

Question 9

Medical nutrition therapy helps diabetics understand the impact of food on blood glucose levels. A major emphasis in dietary management of diabetic patients includes:

Accepted Answer

Nutrition counseling with trained professionals is a cornerstone of diabetics management. Rather than prescribing a rigid, regimented diet requiring calculation, medical nutrition therapy seeks small incremental changes that benefit overall health as well as improved glycemic control.

Question 10

The dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is used to check for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis means "porous bone," and the DEXA scan reveals the sponge-like appearance of affected bones.

Question 11

This term is used to describe the use of multiple interacting drugs:

Accepted Answer

Polypharmacy refers to taking multiple medications that increase the potential for adverse interactions and can increase a patient's fall risk.

Question 12

Your 75 year old, obese female patient has recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. She tells you that she was advised to exercise, but is afraid that this may make her symptoms worse. As her nurse, you explain that:

Accepted Answer

Patients with osteoarthritis in the knees and hips should be counseled to lose weight. Non-weight bearing exercises, such as swimming, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing some of the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis. The use of cold packs, taking oral glucosamine, as well as the use of topical rubs containing capsaicin have shown to be of modest benefit in treating osteoarthritis.

Quiz 8: Challenges to Physical Health