Question 1

Which of the following are examples of elderspeak? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Elderspeak is a form of patronizing speech. Examples include using diminutives or pet names, speaking very slowly, and speaking to older adults as if they were children, or using collective pronouns. Option C is not an example of elderspeak; it is appropriate to explain a procedure using nonmedical terminology. Option D is the correct manner in which to address an individual with hearing loss; facing the patient allows the patient to read lips.

Question 2

Which statement by the nurse is the strongest example of ageism by professional nurses?

Accepted Answer

Ageism affects health professionals as well as the general public and this attitude is reflected in the lack of nurses who choose to work in the field of geriatrics. The characteristics of a "good geriatric nurse" are no different than those of any effective nurse. Assuming that age produces barriers to an effective nurse-client relationship is an example of ageism. The growing number of older adults is not an example of ageism.

Question 3

When conducting an admissions interview with an older client, the nurse observes that the client pauses for a period of time before responding to the questions. The nurse responds to this client based on the assumption that the client is:

Accepted Answer

Basically, elders may need more time to give information or answer questions simply because they have a larger life experience to draw from. Sorting through thoughts requires intervals of silence, and therefore listening carefully without rushing the elder is very important. It is an unfounded assumption to assume that the client's response is due to senility based exclusively on his or her age. The remaining options would not be unique to an older client but might be experienced at any age.

Question 4

A nurse manager is providing a novice geriatric nurse with guidelines when encouraging an older client to reminisce about his or her life and past experiences. Which suggestions will be included? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Suggestions for encouraging reminiscing include listening without correction or criticism, remembering that it is the client's recollections that are important; being patient with repetition since sometimes people need to tell the same story often to come to terms with the experience, especially if it was very meaningful to them; being attuned to signs of depression in conversation (dwelling on sad topics) or changes in physical status or behavior, and providing appropriate assessment and intervention; and keeping the conversation focused on the person reminiscing, but not hesitating to share some of your own memories that relate to the situation being discussed. Use open-ended questions to encourage reminiscing since they encourage free thought.

Question 5

Which intervention is therapeutic when facilitating communication with a cognitively impaired older client? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Useful strategies for communicating with individuals experiencing cognitive impairment include giving one-step directions, allowing time for the expected response, and giving clues and cues as to what you want the person to do. It is also helpful to interact with one person at a time and to speak slowly rather than loudly.

Question 6

Which technique is most effective when communicating with a client who is positioned in bed?

Accepted Answer

When communicating with individuals in a bed or wheelchair, position yourself at their level and directly face them rather than talking over a side rail or standing above them.

Question 7

When caring for an ill adult client, the nurse is particularly concerned that the client communicates well since:

Accepted Answer

Good communication skills are the basis for accurate assessment, care planning, and the development of therapeutic relationships between the nurse and the older person. While the other options are true they do not directly address the concerns of an ailing client.

Question 8

Which nursing statement shows a true appreciation for an older client's willingness to tell his personal stories about "the war"?

Accepted Answer

A memory is an incredible gift given to the nurse, a sharing of a part of oneself when one may have little else to give, and it provides insight into who the person really is telling the story.

Quiz 6: Communicating with Older Adults