Question 1

The nurse is teaching the child of an older adult about the psychological changes associated with aging. Which statement made by the nurse is correct? Select all that apply.&#10;A) &#34;All older adults experience decreased blood flow to the brain that can cause loss of long-term memory.&#34;&#10;B) &#34;Short-term memory deteriorates with age, which is most likely due to poor sorting strategies in the older adult.&#34;&#10;C) &#34;Older people have trouble learning new things, just like the old saying 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks.&#34;'&#10;D) &#34;Older people who are well-educated and mentally active do not lose their memory like their peers who aren't as mentally active.&#34;&#10;E) &#34;Your parent can still learn new tasks; it just may take a little longer than it used to.&#34;&#10;

Accepted Answer

1.This is incorrect. Decreased blood flow to the brain, as seen in aging, may result in longer periods of memory scanning for both recent and remote recall among older people. However, just because an individual is older does not mean that long-term memory is compromised; long-term memory is still intact, it just may require a little bit more time to access.
2.This is correct. Short-term memory loss in the older adult is associated with poorer sorting strategies, where the person has difficulty differentiating between several stimuli.
3.This is incorrect. The ability to learn is not diminished by age. Studies, however, have shown that some aspects of learning do change with age. The ability to learn continues throughout life, though it is strongly influenced by interests, activity, motivation, health, and experience.
4.This is correct. Well-educated, mentally active people do not exhibit the same decline in memory functioning as their peers who lack similar opportunities to flex their minds.
5.This is correct. Older adults can learn new tasks, but it may take them longer to process and master the tasks. The ordinary slowing of reaction time with age and the overarousal of the central nervous system may account for lower performance levels on tests requiring rapid responses. A reinforcement of the premise that older people can learn new tasks is demonstrated in the number of older people today who have mastered the use of smartphones and computers that were not available when they were younger.

Question 2

The client is an older adult who has bilateral cataracts. Which statement made by the nurse indicates implementation of appropriate nursing interventions for this client? Select all that apply.&#10;A) &#34;I've arranged your plate so your meat is at one o'clock, veggies are at six o'clock, and potatoes are at nine o'clock.&#34;&#10;B) &#34;I need to ask you a question. Please look at my face while I'm speaking to you.&#34;&#10;C) &#34;I'm going to turn your television down so you can hear what your guests are saying to you.&#34;&#10;D) &#34;I know you have felt isolated, so I signed you up for the crafts activity this afternoon.&#34;&#10;E) &#34;I've placed the television remote, your book, and a box of tissues on your tray table.&#34;&#10;

Accepted Answer

1.This is correct. The nurse uses the "clock" system to arrange the visually impaired client's food on a plate so the client may easily locate the food. The nurse should help the client with feeding to ensure the client is receiving proper nutrition.
2.This is correct. Asking the client to look at the speaker's face when speaking helps the hearing-impaired person read facial expressions and lips to improve understanding of the communication.
3.This is incorrect. Turning the TV down to decrease background noise is beneficial to the hearing-impaired client, not the visually impaired client.
4.This is incorrect. Even though the client may feel isolated due to his visual disability, engaging him in an activity that requires sight is not appropriate. A more- appropriate group activity for the client would be listening to a guest speaker or concert.
5.This is correct. It is helpful to place the visually impaired individual's belongings in his or her reach and to notify him or her of this. The nurse should also place the client's call bell within reach.

Question 3

After the client's spouse of 52 years passed away, her children moved her to an assisted-living community so she would have more social interaction. She has lived in the community for 3 years, and she has been the president of the social committee. Lately, she has had difficulty remembering the dates and times of social events she has planned and the names of some of her closest friends in the community. When the nurse addresses this issue, she responds with, "I've always been so sharp, and now I feel like my brain is hardly working at all. I've turned into a dotty old woman who can't keep things straight. I'm so embarrassed and humiliated. I'm so glad my spouse isn't here to see this." Which nursing actions are likely to improve her self-esteem? Select all that apply.

A) Referring the client to a psychiatrist to treat her depression
B) Hanging a large calendar on her wall with important dates delineated
C) Asking the social worker to assign a roommate to her to keep an eye on her
D) Supplying the client with a daily itinerary that lists the time and location of social events
E) Supplying the client with the current newspapers every day and filing the older media away.

Hanging a large calendar on her wall with important dates delineated
Supplying the client with a daily itinerary that lists the time and location of social events
Supplying the client with the current newspapers every day and filing the older media away.

Accepted Answer

1.This is incorrect. The client is not demonstrating signs of depression, but she is demonstrating signs of low self-esteem. Referring her to a psychiatrist for treatment of depression is not necessary.
2.This is correct. Hanging a large calendar on the client's wall with important dates delineated will help her remember her social obligations. This way, she can avoid the embarrassment of forgetting about important events, especially if she has been instrumental in planning the events.
3.This is incorrect. It is not appropriate to have one resident or client look after another. It is the role of the health care staff to monitor and care for clients and residents. The client does not need a roommate to keep an eye on her.
4.This is correct. Providing the client with a daily itinerary or schedule will help her remember where she is supposed to be at which times. This helps her maintain her independence while avoiding the embarrassment of forgetting important social obligations.
5.This is correct. Providing the client with current newspapers may help her stay up-to-date with current events.

Question 4

The client is an older adult who has worked with the same company as an electrical engineer for several years and has been given an "early out" to retire. Which of the following statements reflects a positive self-identity during this change? Select all that apply.

A) "This is all that I have known my whole life."
B) "I won't know what to do without a routine."
C) "I can use my knowledge to mentor others."
D) "I will be able to spend more quality time with my family."
E) "Good thing I saved for this day; now I can travel."

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Accepted Answer

1.This is incorrect. Maintaining a positive self-concept and identity is important in successful aging. Individuals who tend toward a rigid self-identity will struggle with any changes and adaptations faced in the aging process.
2.This is incorrect. There is no indication of how the client will be affected by retirement in this statement.
3.This is correct. Maintaining one's occupational identity reflects a positive attitude with the life-changing event of retirement. This displays maintenance of social interactions.
4.This is correct. The client's statement of family relationships is a positive statement.
5.This is correct. The client's statement reflects preparation for this event and appears to be positive.

Question 5

The client is a 75-year-old widow who has lived alone in her home since her spouse died 15 years ago. The client fell in her home and now needs help with bathing, mobility, and meal preparations. Based on the information, ____________________ care would best suit the client's needs.

Accepted Answer

Long-term care facilities are defined by the level of care they provide. They may be skilled-nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, or a combination of the two. Some institutions provide convalescent care for individuals recovering from acute illness or injury, some provide long-term care for individuals with chronic illness or disabilities, and others provide both types of assistance. Level of functioning, as determined by the ability to perform various behaviors or activities-such as bathing, eating, mobility, meal preparation, handling finances, judgment, and memory-is a measurable risk factor. The need for ongoing assistance from another person is critical in determining the need for long-term care.

Deck 17: The Aging Individual