Question 1

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 their spouse is likely to have stronger social support and coping mechanisms to deal with the loss. Social support is a key factor in facilitating adjustment to bereavement. The other options (A, C, and D) suggest that the residents may have a harder time adjusting due to increased dependency, lack of participation in activities, or caregiving responsibilities.

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

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

It is important to remember that clients in a long-term care facility still deserve dignity and respect, even if they require more assistance with daily tasks. Maintaining their self-respect can improve feelings of self-worth and quality of life. Option A may promote dependence and decrease independence, whereas option C may prioritize efficiency over client-centered care. Option D is discriminatory and not appropriate in any nursing setting.

Question 4

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 of supplies and ensure they are as economical as possible.

Question 5

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 subcutaneous fat and a slower metabolism, making them more susceptible to feeling cold. Therefore, the room should be set warmer than the nurse's preference to ensure the comfort of the older adults.

Question 6

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

The nurse should encourage the client that their muscles can be strengthened with exercise, which can improve their overall functioning. This response empowers the client to take an active role in improving their health and does not discourage them based on their age. Option B and D are incorrect as they are ageist and do not offer any useful advice to the client. Option C is incorrect as research suggests that even in older adults, muscle mass can be increased with exercise.

Question 7

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 could be causing the resident's impaired cognitive and self-care abilities. Memory loss is not a normal, age-related change and simply instructing the staff to be extra attentive may not be enough to address the underlying problem. It is premature to inform the resident's family that the resident probably has some form of dementia without first ruling out other possible causes.

Question 8

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 mean that it disappears completely. It can be caused by various factors, including age-related changes in hormone levels, medication side effects, and health conditions. However, there are measures that can be taken to address the issue, such as counseling, medication adjustments, and lifestyle modifications. It should be taken seriously and addressed appropriately, regardless of the client's age.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

The Functional Consequences Theory on aging focuses on the impact of aging on an individual's ability to function and perform activities of daily living. Therefore, the nurse should focus on promoting safety and improving quality of life, which are both essential for maintaining independence and well-being in older adults.

Question 10

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

The best response is to investigate further and assess the potential causes for the client's urinary incontinence. This approach shows empathy towards the client, addresses her concerns, and seeks to identify the root of the problem.

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 and facing the residents is important for effective communication, especially if the residents have hearing impairments. Option A and B are not appropriate as the residents may find loud voices or close proximity uncomfortable. Option C is not necessary as most residents should be able to communicate verbally.

Question 12

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

The nurse should consider that these symptoms may be related to normal changes in muscle tone and activity in the gastrointestinal system that occur with aging. Cancer or gastric ulcer/colitis would typically be accompanied by weight loss or other more severe symptoms, and an upper and lower GI x-ray series would not be the first course of action without further assessment.

Question 13

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 is a condition characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength, leading to weakness and fatigue. Therefore, the nurse should expect the client to report lack of strength and tiring easily. Weight loss, nausea, hair loss, thin skin, bleeding, and bruising tendencies are not typical symptoms of sarcopenia.

Question 14

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 down bone density loss and decrease muscle atrophy, which can improve overall physical strength and mobility for elderly women. However, it cannot reverse the effects of aging or eliminate the risk for osteoporosis completely. Preventing pathologic fractures may also be a benefit of exercise classes, but it is not the only outcome.

Question 15

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 16

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 17

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 promotes their autonomy and reinforces their ability to make decisions for themselves, which can help support their independence. This approach also respects the client's rights and dignity as an individual.

Question 18

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 final stage of life is integrity versus despair. Successful completion of this stage results in a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment from past accomplishments, while failure leads to feelings of regret and despair. Therefore, option A is the best choice. Option B is not directly related to Erikson's theory of task development. Option C is not a positive outcome of this stage, as it reflects a desire to return to an earlier developmental stage. Option D emphasizes physical health, which is important but not the main focus of the final stage of life according to Erikson's theory.

Question 19

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

The nurse should educate the family that dementia is a progressive deterioration, and it is important for them to clearly understand what symptoms to look for. This will help the family plan for the future and make the necessary adjustments to provide appropriate care for their loved one. Option A is incorrect because there is currently no medication available to stop the progress of dementia, and option B is premature as the family may not yet know what level of care their loved one will require. Option D is incorrect because there is no cure for dementia, but symptoms can be managed through medication and other supportive measures.

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 older adult stage is ego integrity vs. despair. This stage involves reflecting on one's life and feeling a sense of satisfaction with one's accomplishments and experiences. Clients who maintained a balance between work and home are more likely to feel a sense of satisfaction and success in their later years, compared to clients who solely found success through their children's achievements or work status. A client who plans to enjoy life once they retire may also have a sense of satisfaction, but this choice doesn't necessarily guarantee success with the task of this stage.

Quiz 23: Promoting Health in Elders