Question 1

A nurse who works in a long-term care facility has noticed that one of the residents has been showing signs of impaired cognitive and self-care abilities over the last 2 weeks.The nurse should

Accepted Answer

The nurse should investigate for possible physiologic problems that may be causing the resident's cognitive and self-care ability decline. This is important because there may be a treatable underlying condition that can be addressed to improve the resident's health and well-being. It is not appropriate to assume that memory loss is a normal age-related change or to jump to conclusions about dementia without proper evaluation. Instructing the staff to be extra attentive is not a sufficient solution without understanding the cause of the resident's decline.

Question 2

A nurse is teaching a wellness class for older adults.In order to address the sensory loss that accompanies the aging process,the nurse should recommend that these clients take which action?

Accepted Answer

C

Question 3

An older male 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 explain about decreased sexual interest in older clients?

Accepted Answer

Decreased sexual interest is common in older clients but it does not necessarily disappear completely. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as age-related changes in hormone levels, chronic health conditions, medications, and psychological factors. It is important to address this concern with the client and explore potential options for treatment or management.

Question 4

In planning any health program for elderly adults,the nurse will implement Erikson's theory of task development.The nurse realizes that in this stage of life,the successful completion of the task allows the person to

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory, the task of the elderly stage is ego integrity vs. despair. The successful completion of this task allows the person to achieve a sense of satisfaction from their past accomplishments and experiences, rather than feeling a sense of despair and regret. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are not consistent with Erikson's theory of task development for the elderly stage.

Question 5

In the review of an elderly client's chart,the nurse reads that the client has sarcopenia.What should the nurse expect the client to report?

Accepted Answer

Sarcopenia refers to the loss of muscle mass and strength that occurs with aging. Therefore, the nurse should expect the client to report lack of strength and tiring easily. Weight loss and nausea are not typically associated with sarcopenia, and hair loss and thin skin are more commonly associated with other conditions such as hypothyroidism. Bleeding and bruising tendencies are more commonly associated with issues such as thrombocytopenia or clotting disorders.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Allowing the client to be actively involved in all decisions made is the best way to support their independence. The nurse case manager should provide education and resources to help the client make informed decisions about their care and support their autonomy. Making decisions for the client or relying solely on the opinions of other healthcare professionals or family members could limit the client's independence and control over their own life.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

It's important for the family to understand the progressive nature of dementia and what symptoms to look out for so they can plan accordingly. Additionally, while there are medications available to help manage symptoms, there is no cure for dementia, so planning for long-term care is important. However, it is premature to suggest choosing a specific facility at this point in time. It is also incorrect to state that medication can stop the progression or that dementia can be treated once the cause is known, as there is no known cure for most types of dementia.

Question 8

A nurse is preparing an education program on safety concerns for elderly adults living in their own homes.To address the sensory changes in this age group,what should the nurse recommend to this group?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse is preparing an education program...

Question 9

A gerontological nurse is helping a potential home health client acquire the supplies that will be needed once the client is discharged from acute care.When considering these supplies,what should the nurse recall?

Accepted Answer

Older clients often live on a fixed income, so it is important for the nurse to consider the cost-effectiveness of supplies to ensure they are affordable for the client.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of A group of older clients is interested...

Question 11

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 what when speaking to the residents?

Accepted Answer

Speaking distinctly, while facing the residents is the best choice. This will ensure that the residents can hear and understand the students clearly. It is important to communicate effectively with the elderly to make them feel valued and respected. Speaking loudly or into their ears may be uncomfortable for them, and writing out what they want to say may not be feasible for every conversation.

Question 12

Some nursing students are doing their first clinical rotation in a long-term care facility.What should the nurse educator remind the students to do to meet the needs of this particular client group?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the clients' self-respect is crucial in all healthcare interactions, especially in long-term care settings where individuals may be more vulnerable. It emphasizes the importance of dignity and respect in patient care.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Older adults often have decreased circulation and thinner skin, which can make them feel colder than younger people. Therefore, setting the room temperature warmer than what might be comfortable for the nurse, who is likely younger, can help ensure the comfort of the older adults in the program.

Question 14

An elderly client comes to the clinic for follow-up after a long hospitalization.When the client asks about increasing strength and endurance,what should the nurse respond?

Accepted Answer

Option A provides a supportive and empowering response that acknowledges the client's desire to improve their physical health. It also offers a solution to improve muscle strength and function. Options B, C, and D are negative and offer no constructive feedback or solutions for the client.

Question 15

The elderly client comes to the clinic reporting gastrointestinal problems,including frequent constipation and indigestion,but denies any recent weight loss.The nurse initially recognizes that these symptoms

Accepted Answer

As people age, their digestive tract undergoes normal changes, such as decreased muscle tone and activity, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation and indigestion. While cancer or other serious conditions cannot be ruled out, it is important to consider the possibility of normal age-related changes before jumping to conclusions or ordering invasive tests.

Question 16

The nurse is planning care for an older adult client.On what should the nurse focus if following the Functional Consequences Theory on aging?
(Select all that apply)

Accepted Answer

The Functional Consequences Theory focuses on promoting safety and improving the quality of life for older adults by addressing the consequences of age-related changes and risk factors.

Question 17

An older adult client comes to the clinic with reports of not being able to hold her urine,stating: "I feel so terrible.This shouldn't happen at my age." How should the nurse respond?

Accepted Answer

Option D is the best choice as it acknowledges the client's concern and provides a professional response. It also shows empathy towards the client and encourages further exploration of the issue. Options A and C may be perceived as dismissive or insensitive towards the client's concerns, while option B jumps to a solution without further exploration of the issue.

Question 18

A group of elderly women come to the community center for exercise classes taught by the community health nurse.This activity will help lead to which outcome for these clients?

Accepted Answer

Exercise classes can help slow bone density loss and decrease muscle atrophy in the elderly, but cannot reverse the effects of aging, eliminate the risk for osteoporosis, or prevent pathologic fractures entirely.

Question 19

A nurse is working with clients in an assisted living facility.In the past month,there have been several deaths among the residents and their spouses.In helping the remaining residents deal with these deaths,the nurse understands that adjustment may be easier for which resident?

Accepted Answer

The resident who had a wide circle of friends, besides her spouse, may have an easier time adjusting to the loss of a partner because she has other sources of social support. Social support can help individuals cope with the loss and provide a sense of belonging and attachment.

Question 20

When consulting Erikson's developmental theory,the nurse determines that which older adult will have the least difficulty being successful with the task of this stage?

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's developmental theory, the task of the eighth stage, which occurs in late adulthood, is ego integrity vs. despair. This involves reviewing one's life and feeling a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, or a sense of regret and despair. A client who maintained a balance between work and home is most likely to have a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment and therefore have the least difficulty being successful with this stage. The other options may have difficulty achieving ego integrity because they define themselves too much by external factors, such as their children's accomplishments or their work status, or have a potentially unrealistic expectation that retirement will suddenly bring enjoyment to life.

Quiz 23: Promoting Health in Older Adults