Deck 50: The Older Adult

Question 1

Which theory of aging states that there is decreased interaction between the older person and others in his or her social system that is considered to be inevitable,mutual,and acceptable to both the individual and society?

A)activity theory
B)collagen theory
C)continuity theory
D)disengagement theory

Answer 1

disengagement theory

Question 2

Which of these respiratory changes occurs as part of the normal aging process?

A)Effectiveness of the cough mechanism lessens,increasing risk of lung infection.
B)Muscles of respiration become less flexible,increasing vital capacity of the lungs.
C)Presence of diseases such as tuberculosis and respiratory tract infections is expected.
D)Chest pain accompanies any respiratory deficit.

Answer 2

Effectiveness of the cough mechanism lessens,increasing risk of lung infection.

Question 3

Which of these statements about health promotion and disease prevention for older adult clients is TRUE?

A)No special efforts are needed to alter lifestyle practices.
B)It remains beneficial to teach components of healthy lifestyle and specific disease prevention.
C)Monitoring of prescription medications complicates the health care routine.
D)There are more specific interventions necessary for men than for women.

Answer 3

It remains beneficial to teach components of healthy lifestyle and specific disease prevention.

Question 4

When caring for older adult clients,nurses should remember to include assessment of these clients' strengths,such as their:

A)awareness of their surroundings
B)short-term memory
C)cognitive health
D)recognition of patriotism

Question 5

Which theory of aging projects that an individual's life span is programmed within the body cells and predetermines the speed with which the person ages and eventually dies?

A)collagen theory
B)immunity theory
C)programmed aging
D)stress theory

Question 6

Which of these changes in the male reproductive system is the result of normal aging?

A)Impotency is to be expected.
B)Sperm count and viscosity of seminal fluid decreases.
C)The prostate gland may decrease in size.
D)Testosterone production remains unchanged.

Question 7

If an older adult client experiences bowel elimination problems,the nurse should take which of these actions?

A)Ask the client's health care provider to order a laxative,stool softener,or enema.
B)Encourage the client to exercise daily.
C)Help the client monitor fluid intake.
D)Include adequate protein in the client's diet.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is a myth associated with aging?

A)The majority of older adults live above the poverty level.
B)Most older adults live either in a family setting or within 30 minutes of a child.
C)Senility is an expected result of aging.
D)Older adults are sexually active.

Question 9

Which of these changes in the gastrointestinal system of an older adult client place the client at risk?

A)Alcohol is absorbed faster.
B)Saliva production decreases.
C)Gag reflex is less effective.
D)Liver size increases.

Question 10

Which theory of aging states that life satisfaction is dependent on maintaining involvement by developing new interests,hobbies,roles,and relationships?

A)activity theory
B)collagen theory
C)continuity theory
D)disengagement theory

Question 11

Which of these hygiene needs does not diminish with aging?

A)bathing
B)foot care
C)oral care
D)hair care

Question 12

Which of these terms describes the study of the effects of normal aging and age-related disease on human beings?

A)ageology
B)geriatrics
C)gerontology
D)senescence

Question 13

Which of these factors will create a rapid increase in the number of people over the age of 65 in the years 2010 to 2030?

A)During these years the baby boomers will reach age 65.
B)Individuals in this age category are taking better care of themselves.
C)Medical technology has allowed people to live longer.
D)People over age 65 are living an average of 25 years longer.

Question 14

How often should a nurse encourage most older adults to bathe or shower?

A)daily
B)every other day
C)two or three times a week
D)weekly

Question 15

Which of these cardiovascular changes results from the normal aging process?

A)increased cardiac output
B)heart rate increases
C)brain and coronary arteries receiving more blood than other organs
D)peripheral resistance decreases

Question 16

If an older adult client experiences frequency of urination,the nurse should:

A)make no changes in the client's dietary intake and keep the client from self-limiting fluids
B)assess the client for a urinary tract infection
C)place the client on incontinence precautions to minimize embarrassment if accidents occur
D)restrict fluid intake because frequency of urination is a normal result of physical changes that occur in the older adult client

Question 17

What is the MOST common disorder related to aging and the endocrine system?

A)type 1 diabetes mellitus
B)type 2 diabetes mellitus
C)gallstones
D)incontinence

Question 18

Which of these dietary guidelines is MOST important for older adult clients?

A)Maintain a calcium intake of 1,000 to 1,500 mg daily from food and supplements.
B)Increase intake of potassium-rich foods.
C)Decrease intake of protein-rich fluids.
D)Maintain intake of carbohydrates and fat.

Question 19

Which theory of aging states that the occurrence of extreme tension throughout the lifetime causes structural and chemical changes in the body that eventually causes irreversible tissue damage?

A)collagen theory
B)immunity theory
C)programmed aging
D)stress theory

Question 20

Which of these changes in the female reproductive system is the result of normal aging?

A)Estrogen production remains constant.
B)Libido diminishes.
C)Risk for breast cancer increases.
D)Vaginal secretions become more acidic.

Question 21

Which of these nursing interventions would be MOST important for a client who has Alzheimer's disease?

A)Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs).
B)Arrange a therapeutic,calm,safe,consistent care environment.
C)Serve favorite foods.
D)Observe for improvement in mental status.

Question 22

Which of these nursing interventions would be MOST important for an older adult client who has been diagnosed with depression?

A)Assess for verbal or nonverbal signs of suicidal thoughts or intent.
B)Give the client opportunities for making decisions.
C)Involve the client in group activities.
D)Allow the client to remain in the assigned room.

Question 23

Which of these changes in the integumentary system are part of normal aging?

A)increased nail growth
B)hypopigmentation
C)decreased melanin production
D)increased sensitivity to pressure

Question 24

Which of these services is covered for older adults enrolled in Medicare?

A)routine medical checkups and related tests
B)home health care requiring skilled personnel
C)eye and hearing tests
D)routine dental care

Question 25

Which of these neurological changes are part of normal aging?

A)Intellect remains unchanged,but capacity for learning is diminished.
B)Need for sleep decreases.
C)Short-term memory may be somewhat diminished without changes in long-term memory.
D)Cerebral blood flow and oxygen use increases.

Question 26

Because older adult clients frequently do not present the usual signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection,the major clinical manifestation may be:

A)incontinence
B)signs of acute confusion
C)fever of unknown origin
D)nausea and vomiting

Question 27

The nurse is caring for an older adult who is prescribed digoxin.When assessing for the signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity,the nurse would expect to see which of the following? (Select all that apply. )

A)nausea
B)shaking
C)incontinence
D)constipation
E)cardiac dysrhythmias
F)confusion
G)halos around lights

Question 28

Which of these musculoskeletal changes is a result of normal aging?

A)Joints develop degenerative changes.
B)Coordination and endurance are unaffected.
C)Muscle mass and elasticity remain unchanged.
D)Osteoporosis is to be expected.

Question 29

Which of these terms describes a nonspecific clinical syndrome characterized by a loss of intellectual functioning?

A)Alzheimer's disease
B)dementia
C)depression
D)transient ischemic attack

Question 30

The older adult client often has difficulty seeing objects that are close because the lens of the eye becomes less pliable.Which of these terms describes this condition?

A)glaucoma
B)macular degeneration
C)myopia
D)presbyopia