Question 1

The nurse assesses an older male adult who has Alzheimer's disease and his caregiver.Which information from the caregiver warrants further investigation by the nurse to assess the caregiver for strain?

Accepted Answer

The patient does not like to be alone is a sign of caregiver strain.

Question 2

Which type of assessment tool gives the most reliable results for an older person?

Accepted Answer

Observational assessments can provide the most reliable results for older adults as they may have cognitive or memory impairments that affect their ability to self-report accurately, and report-by-proxy assessments may not always capture the older person's experience accurately. Medical history is important but only provides part of the picture.

Question 3

Which one of the following categories is not found in the Fulmer SPICES assessment tool?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 4

Which functional assessment tool asks about the mechanical and psychological factors affecting an older person's ability to maintain an adequate diet?

Accepted Answer

FANCAPES (Food, Nutrition, and Appetite; Cognitive Function; Activities of Daily Living; Nutrition-related Patient Self-Care; Anthropometric Measures; Psychological Stress; Environmental Factors; and Social Support) is a functional assessment tool that specifically includes questions about the mechanical and psychological factors affecting an older person's ability to maintain an adequate diet. The other options listed do not include this specific focus.

Question 5

Which of the following is considered a functional activity needed for independent living (an instrumental activity of daily living, or IADL)?

Accepted Answer

Washing clothes is considered an instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) as it involves a more complex and cognitively demanding task that is necessary for independent living, in contrast to basic activities of daily living (ADLs) such as feeding, dressing, and getting out of bed.

Question 6

Which of the following does the nurse do when preparing to perform a skilled and detailed assessment of an older person that is not usually required when assessing a younger individual?

Accepted Answer

Older individuals may have multiple comorbidities and complex health issues, so the nurse should allow more time for a comprehensive assessment.

Question 7

The FANCAPES model represents Fluids, Aeration, Nutrition, Communication, Activity, Pain, Elimination, and Socialization.When would this tool be used to assess an older person?

Accepted Answer

The FANCAPES model would be used to assess an older person to determine their functional performance in regards to fluids, aeration, nutrition, communication, activity, pain, elimination, and socialization. It helps to evaluate their overall wellness and can identify areas where assistance or intervention may be necessary to maintain or improve their health and quality of life.

Question 8

The nurse assesses an older female adult in midmorning and, in a normal-toned voice, asks her, "Do you walk to the library to borrow books?" How should this nurse improve an assessment of an older person?

Accepted Answer

Instead of assuming that the older adult walks to the library, it would be better to ask her how she obtains books to gain a more accurate understanding of her mobility and habits. This can facilitate a better assessment and care plan.

Question 9

Which assessment tool is the most comprehensive exam of an older person's functional status?

Accepted Answer

The Older Americans Resources and Services (OARS) instrument is a comprehensive tool that assesses an older adult's functional status in various domains, including physical functioning, mental health, social activity, and other areas relevant to aging. It is appropriate for use in both community and clinical settings and has been widely used in research and practice. The other options are also functional assessment tools but are not as comprehensive as the OARS instrument.

Question 10

Which question or command is a part of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)?

Accepted Answer

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) includes questions aimed at identifying depressive symptoms in older adults, such as preferring to stay at home rather than going out, which can indicate a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

Question 11

Which of the following should the nurse include in the psychosocial assessment of an older patient?

Accepted Answer

Family relationships are an important component of the psychosocial assessment in older patients as they are often caregivers or rely on support from family members. Comorbid diseases and joint pain are important physical health considerations, while genetics may have a role in certain conditions but are not directly related to the psychosocial assessment.

Question 12

Why should a new nurse use a standardized assessment tool?

Accepted Answer

Standardized assessment tools have established criteria and guidelines for collecting data, ensuring that the nurse collects the most accurate and comprehensive data possible. This can help a new nurse who may not have refined interviewing skills yet. Additionally, while some assessment tools may have electronic data collection and analysis features, this is not the primary benefit of using such tools. It is also important to note that assessment tools do not provide an automated means of choosing nursing diagnoses, as the selection of appropriate nursing diagnoses requires clinical judgment and critical thinking on the part of the nurse.

Question 13

Which tool is used to assess an older person's functional capability?

Accepted Answer

FIM (Functional Independence Measure) is a tool frequently used by healthcare professionals to assess an older person's functional capability. It measures the level of assistance an individual requires to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, and transferring. The FIM is also used to track an individual's progress over time and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving functional ability. While ADL and MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) are important tools in geriatric assessments, they do not specifically assess functional capability. OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is legislation that governs nursing home care and does not provide a tool for assessing functional capability.

Quiz 13: Assessment Tools in Gerontological Nursing