Question 1

Which type of elder abuse is demonstrated by a health care worker telling a nursing home resident she will be left without a call light if she continues to use it excessively.

Accepted Answer

This scenario represents emotional abuse, as the health care worker is using fear and intimidation to control the resident's behavior. Physical abuse involves causing physical harm or injury, neglect is the failure to provide necessary care, and self-neglect is an older adult's neglect of their own needs.

Question 2

When do the conditions of a living will go into effect?

Accepted Answer

The conditions of a living will go into effect when two physicians agree in writing that the criteria in the living will have been met. This ensures that the decision is based on medical expertise and not solely on the desires of the patient or family members.

Question 3

What is the most beneficial legislation that has influenced health care for the older adult?

Accepted Answer

Medicare and Medicaid have been the most beneficial legislation for older adults, as they provide access to health care services and assistance with medical costs. Both programs have improved the quality of life and health outcomes for older adults.

Question 4

Which is true of ageism?

Accepted Answer

Ageism is defined as discrimination against individuals based solely on their age. It can be seen in a variety of contexts, such as employment, healthcare, and media representation.

Question 5

Which senior citizen political action group uses volunteers and lobbyists to advance the interests of older adults?

Accepted Answer

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a senior citizen political action group that uses volunteers and lobbyists to advance the interests of older adults. The National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and National Alliance of Senior Citizens (NASC) are not as well-known or influential as AARP. The Gray Panthers is a social justice organization for seniors, but it is not primarily focused on political advocacy.

Question 6

To what age group does the term "aged" apply?

Accepted Answer

The term "aged" typically refers to individuals who are 75-84 years of age.

Question 7

What type of abuse is demonstrated by restraining an older adult in a recliner?

Accepted Answer

Restraining an older adult in a recliner is a form of physical abuse. It involves restricting the person's movement and can cause harm or injury if done improperly.

Question 8

The 75-year-old man who has been hospitalized following a severe case of pneumonia is concerned about his mounting hospital bill and asks if his Medicare coverage will pay for his care. What would be the most helpful response by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Part A pays for inpatient hospital costs, including room and board, nursing care, and other related services. This would cover the hospitalization costs for the patient's severe case of pneumonia.

Question 9

What reason is often stated by nurses today for not seeking careers in gerontology?

Accepted Answer

Nurses often state that their technical skills are not used or valued in the gerontology field, which deters them from seeking careers in this area.

Question 10

Which facility would be recommended for a patient who has had a hip replacement and needs physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

A skilled care facility is recommended for patients who need rehabilitation services such as physical therapy after a surgery like a hip replacement.

Question 11

What housing option for the older adult offers the privacy of an apartment with restaurant-style meals and some medical and personal care services?

Accepted Answer

An assisted-living center offers the privacy of an apartment or suite with the added benefit of restaurant-style meals and some medical and personal care services, such as medication management and assistance with activities of daily living. This option is ideal for older adults who want to maintain their independence while still receiving some assistance with daily tasks. Government-subsidized housing typically does not offer these additional services, while a long-term care facility is often more focused on providing extensive medical care rather than promoting independence. A group housing plan may also lack the medical and personal care services offered in an assisted-living center.

Question 12

The daughter of a patient who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer asks which documents are required to allow her to make health care decisions for her parent. Which response would provide the most accurate information to the daughter?

Accepted Answer

A durable power of attorney for health care allows a designated person to make health care decisions for the patient if they are unable to do so themselves. Advance directives indicate the degree of intervention desired by the patient, but do not transfer decision-making authority. A 'Do Not Resuscitate' document only pertains to the use of resuscitation in the event of cardiac arrest and does not transfer authority. A living will also indicates the patient's wishes but does not transfer decision-making authority.

Question 13

The daughter of a resident in a long-term care facility is frustrated with her 80-year-old mother's refusal to eat. Which response would be the most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Refusal to eat in elderly individuals is often related to a loss of independence and self-direction. It is important for the daughter to understand this and offer her mother choices and control over her meals whenever possible. Jumping to conclusions about Alzheimer disease or attention-seeking behavior may not be helpful in addressing the issue. It is also important to consider whether the mother dislikes the institutional food and explore alternative options.

Question 14

Which type of elder abuse is demonstrated by the nonprovision of medical care?

Accepted Answer

Neglect is the type of elder abuse that involves the failure to provide basic needs such as food, water, shelter, or medical care. Therefore, the nonprovision of medical care falls under neglect. Physical abuse involves the use of force or violence that causes bodily harm, while emotional abuse involves non-physical behavior that causes psychological harm. Self-neglect is when an elderly person fails to meet their own basic needs.

Question 15

"Baby boomers" is a term used to classify which of the following persons?

Accepted Answer

Baby boomers are those who were born between 1946 and 1964, following the end of World War II. They are called "baby boomers" because there was a significant increase in the birth rate during this time period. This generation is currently reaching retirement age and has had a significant impact on American society and culture.

Question 16

In the 1980s, Medicare initiated a program of diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) to reduce hospital costs. How did the DRGs reduce hospital costs?

Accepted Answer

The DRGs reduced hospital costs by allotting a set amount of hospital days and prospective payment on the basis of the admitting diagnosis. This encouraged hospitals to discharge patients as soon as possible to avoid losing money and also incentivized them to provide efficient and effective care to reduce the number of hospital days needed. This led to a decrease in unnecessary hospitalizations and reduced overall healthcare costs.

Question 17

What fact explains the shift of health care focus toward the older adult in the late 1960s?

Accepted Answer

The shift of health care focus toward the older adult in the late 1960s was due to the increase in longevity resulting from preventive health care practices. This led to a larger population of older adults who required specialized care to manage chronic conditions, hence the focus on geriatric care.

Question 18

The 80-year-old woman who is recovering from a stroke is being sent to a skilled care facility. She is concerned about the expense. The nurse can decrease anxiety by explaining that Medicare will cover extended-care facility costs for what period of time?

Accepted Answer

Medicare will cover the extended-care facility costs for a period of 100 days for needed skilled care.

Question 19

What is the most frequent response to elder abuse by the abused older adult?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, the most frequent response to elder abuse by the abused older adult is nothing at all. This may be due to fear, shame, or a lack of understanding about what constitutes abuse and how to get help. It is important for loved ones and caregivers to be vigilant and watch for signs of abuse, and to provide support and resources to help the victim take action.

Question 20

Which caregiver could be found guilty of elder abuse?

Accepted Answer

Using an elderly person's funds for personal gain without their permission is considered financial abuse, which is a form of elder abuse. The other options, while potentially questionable or concerning, do not necessarily constitute abuse. The daughter is using the funds for her mother's medication, the son is preventing his mother from wandering and potentially injuring herself, and the wife is respecting her husband's autonomy in decision-making.

Quiz 1: Trends and Issues