Question 1

Which of the following is a true statement about dehydration in an older person?

Accepted Answer

Multiple physiological changes of aging, such as a reduction in thirst sensation, renal function decline, and decreased ability to conserve water, all increase the risk of dehydration in older persons. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect as urine flow remains relatively constant in the absence of kidney disease. Option B is incorrect as older people tend to have a higher percentage of body water than younger people. Option C is partially correct, as urine specific gravity and skin turgor can aid in the diagnosis of dehydration, but they are not specific to older persons.

Question 2

Which one of the following is part of a program for addressing bowel incontinence in an older person?

Accepted Answer

D

Question 3

The nurse wants to begin helping an older person who is overweight and has urinary incontinence, with healthy bladder behaviour skills.Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Accepted Answer

Scheduling voiding at two- to four-hour intervals can help the older person develop healthy bladder behaviour skills by gradually increasing the time between voids, as well as reducing the risk of urinary incontinence. While a low-calorie diet may be beneficial for weight management, it is not directly related to improving bladder control. Abdominal exercises may be helpful for strengthening pelvic floor muscles, but scheduling regular voiding intervals is a more comprehensive approach for addressing urinary incontinence. Although reducing the time between an urge to void and voiding may provide temporary relief for symptoms, it does not train the bladder to hold urine for progressively longer periods.

Question 4

Which of the following statements is true about fluid intake for older persons?

Accepted Answer

Older adults often have a decreased sense of thirst and may not drink enough fluids. Ensuring a standardized amount of fluid with medication can help maintain adequate hydration.

Question 5

The nurse evaluates the urinalysis (UA) of an older female patient who has an indwelling urinary catheter.The UA report shows gross contamination of the urine.Which one of the following actions should the nurse implement first?

Accepted Answer

Checking the duration of catheterization is important to determine if the catheter has been in place for an appropriate length of time or if it needs to be changed. This can help to prevent further contamination of the urine. Providing perineal hygiene and urinary catheter care are important interventions to prevent infection but should only be done after checking the duration of catheterization. Obtaining a urine specimen from a sterile port may be necessary later, but addressing the duration of catheterization is the first priority.

Question 6

An older person who is on bedrest has tachycardia and dry mucous membranes, and decreased urinary output after surgery.Which of the following situations is the nurse's priority for preventive care because of the patient's fluid volume status?

Accepted Answer

The patient's tachycardia and decreased urinary output indicate that they may be experiencing inadequate fluid volume, which places them at higher risk for thromboembolic events such as blood clots. Preventive measures such as frequent position changes, compression stockings, and blood thinners may be necessary to reduce the risk of clot formation. While bowel obstruction, delirious behavior, and delayed wound healing are all important considerations for a post-operative patient, they are not the priority in this particular case given the patient's fluid volume status.

Question 7

An older female adult tells the nurse practitioner that she fears her family will place her in a nursing home because she developed stress incontinence.Which recommendation should the nurse implement?

Accepted Answer

Recommending exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor can help improve stress incontinence. It is a non-invasive and effective intervention that can help the patient manage their symptoms without the need for nursing home placement. Coordination of a family conference may also be helpful in addressing the patient's fears and identifying any other concerns that the family may have, but it may not be the best initial recommendation for managing stress incontinence. Elimination of caffeinated beverages and scheduling voiding at regular intervals may also be helpful, but exercise is the most effective first-line intervention.

Question 8

Which one of the following increases the risk for chronic dehydration in older persons?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which one of the following increases the...

Question 9

The nurse assesses an older male resident in a nursing home for urinary incontinence and determines that he is unaware of the problem.Which recommendation should the nurse implement?

Accepted Answer

Providing scheduled toileting can help the resident become aware of their bladder sensation and reduce episodes of urinary incontinence. Limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration and other complications in the elderly population. Applying an absorbent undergarment does not address the underlying issue and can lead to skin breakdown. Encouraging frequent rest periods may be beneficial for overall health but does not directly address urinary incontinence.

Question 10

The most important aspect of care for the nurse to maintain when assisting an older person with urinary incontinence is which one of the following?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a respectful and positive attitude about resolving the underlying problem is the most important aspect of care for the nurse to maintain. This helps to promote the person's dignity, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Using protective rubber garments and indwelling urinary catheters should be avoided unless absolutely necessary due to the potential risks of infection and skin breakdown. Smooth muscle relaxants may be helpful in certain cases, but they are not the most important aspect of care.

Question 11

Which type of incontinence is characterized by a large residual urine volume?

Accepted Answer

Overflow incontinence is characterized by a large residual urine volume, which occurs when the bladder is unable to completely empty itself. This can be caused by obstruction, nerve damage, or weakened bladder muscles. Urge incontinence is characterized by a sudden and strong urge to urinate, often leading to involuntary leakage. Stress incontinence is caused by the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles that occurs with age or childbirth, leading to leakage with activities such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing. Functional incontinence occurs in individuals who have difficulty getting to the bathroom due to physical or cognitive impairments.

Question 12

Which one of the following signs and symptoms is characteristic of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in an older person?

Accepted Answer

In older individuals, typical symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) such as fever, dysuria, and flank pain may not be present. Instead, non-specific symptoms like anorexia, confusion, or general weakness are more common, making diagnosis challenging in this age group.

Quiz 9: Hydration and Continence