Question 1

Which situation can become an issue for a middle-aged adult considering retiring from work?&#10;A) Caring for grandchildren&#10;B) Ensuring financial security&#10;C) Spending time with friends&#10;D) Planning time for recreation

Accepted Answer

Retirement and enduring financial security are major priorities for a person in middle adulthood. Caring for grandchildren, spending time with friends, and planning time for recreation are not situations that can become issues for a middle-aged adult.

Question 2

Which is a common health risk in a middle-aged adult?&#10;A) Falls&#10;B) Smoking&#10;C) Vision change&#10;D) Hearing change

Accepted Answer

Smoking is a common health risk in a middle-aged adult. Falls, vision changes, and hearing changes are common health risks for an older adult.

Question 3

Which age-related change makes it difficult for an older adult to drive safely?&#10;A) Floaters&#10;B) Dry eyes&#10;C) Presbyopia&#10;D) Reduced peripheral vision

Accepted Answer

Reduced peripheral vision makes it more difficult and dangerous for the aging individual to drive. Floaters, dry eyes, and presbyopia do not affect peripheral vision or the ability to drive safely.

Question 4

At which age would screening for breast cancer in an older female patient no longer be necessary?&#10;A) 50&#10;B) 55&#10;C) 65&#10;D) 75

Accepted Answer

Screening for breast cancer is appropriate between the ages of 49 and 74. It would not be appropriate at the age of 75.

Question 5

For which potential health problem would a nurse assess an older patient who reports poor sleep?&#10;A) Arthritis&#10;B) Gastritis&#10;C) Diabetes&#10;D) Lung disease

Accepted Answer

Sleep health is a concern for the older population. More than one-third of adults do not get enough sleep on a regular basis, resulting in chronic conditions. Sleep deprivation is not only linked to cardiovascular disease but also to diabetes, obesity, and arrhythmias. Sleep deprivation is not linked to arthritis, gastritis, or lung disease.

Question 6

Which strategy would a nurse recommend to an older patient with an elevated systolic blood pressure?&#10;A) Lose weight&#10;B) Restrict activity&#10;C) Increase rest periods&#10;D) Increase potassium intake

Accepted Answer

In patients older than age 60, isolated systolic hypertension is a greater concern than diastolic hypertension because of cardiovascular risk. This age group benefits from even the slightest reduction in blood pressure. Conservative treatment with nonpharmacological measures is a better option in the elderly because they are at higher risk for health issues when starting a new medication. Weight loss, regular exercise, diet control, sleep apnea treatment, and restricting dietary sodium are all effective conservative treatment options. Activity should not be restricted. Rest periods are not recommended to reduce blood pressure. Increased potassium intake is not recommended to reduce blood pressure.

Question 7

On which of the following factors would a nurse focus to reduce an older patient's risk for developing arthritis?&#10;A) Age&#10;B) Race&#10;C) Gender&#10;D) Occupation

Accepted Answer

Occupation is a modifiable risk factor for the development of arthritis. Age, race, and gender are nonmodifiable risk factors for this health problem.

Question 8

A nurse would be concerned about which of the following findings for an older patient who is at risk for falling?&#10;A) Takes antidepressants&#10;B) Wears reading glasses&#10;C) Attends swimming classes&#10;D) Spends time outdoors gardening

Accepted Answer

A condition that can lead to falls in an older patient includes the use of medications such as antidepressants. Reading glasses would not increase the risk for falling. Swimming would increase lower body strength, which would help prevent a fall. Spending time outdoors gardening is not identified as a condition that would lead to a fall. Exposure to natural sunlight would also assist in maintaining an adequate vitamin D level.

Question 9

A nurse would teach an older patient about which of the following health problems to prevent the development of a geriatric syndrome?&#10;A) Menopause&#10;B) Hearing loss&#10;C) Constipation&#10;D) Incontinence

Accepted Answer

Geriatric syndromes are common health conditions that affect older adults. Incontinence is a considered a geriatric syndrome. Menopause, hearing loss, and constipation are not identified as geriatric syndromes.

Question 10

Which small change would a nurse recommend to an older patient who wants to lose 20 pounds?&#10;A) Weigh self every day&#10;B) Reduce portion sizes&#10;C) Increase activity to 250 minutes each week&#10;D) Reduce caloric intake by 500 calories each day

Accepted Answer

A small change to help with weight loss includes reducing portion sizes. Weighing self every day, increasing activity to 250 minutes each week, and reducing caloric intake by 500 calories each day are large changes to support weight reduction.

Deck 8: Health Screening and Counseling: Adult and Older Adult