Question 1

The nursing instructor is teaching a course on human growth and development to a class of nursing students.The teaching is successful when the students identify which factors as biological aspects of aging? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Biological aspects of aging include fat redistribution, heart hypertrophy, and increased fibrous lung tissue. These changes are part of the natural aging process, affecting the body's structure and function. Thickening of muscle fibers and enlargement of the liver are not typically considered normal biological aspects of aging.

Question 2

An elderly client is exhibiting symptoms of major depressive disorder.A physician is considering prescribing an antidepressant.Which physiological problem should make a nurse question this medication regimen?

Accepted Answer

Elderly clients may have impaired liver and kidney function due to aging and other age-related conditions. Certain antidepressants are metabolized by the liver and eliminated through the kidneys. If a client has impaired liver or kidney function, the medication may accumulate in the body and cause toxicity, which can lead to adverse effects. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to question the medication regimen and collaborate with the physician to choose a medication that is safe for the client's physiological status.

Question 3

A couple resides in a long-term care facility.The husband is admitted to the psychiatric unit after physically abusing his wife.He states,"My wife is having an affair with a young man,and I want it investigated." Which is the appropriate nursing reply?

Accepted Answer

This response acknowledges the patient's feelings and offers to discuss the issue further, while not confirming or denying the husband's accusations. It also avoids invalidating the husband's concerns or making assumptions about the situation.

Question 4

A son who recently brought his extremely confused parent to a nursing home for admission reports feelings of guilt.Which is the appropriate nursing reply?

Accepted Answer

The appropriate nursing reply would be to acknowledge the son's feelings of guilt and offer resources for support. Option A does exactly that, by stating that it is common to have mixed emotions and providing information about support groups for families in similar situations. Option B is dismissive of the son's emotions and may not effectively address his concerns. Option C is not relevant to the situation at hand, and Option D is potentially dishonest if the parent is truly confused and in need of care.

Question 5

A client diagnosed with Glaucoma is being discharged to an assisted-living facility.In what way should the discharge nurse modify teaching to most effectively present information to this client?

Accepted Answer

Glaucoma can cause vision loss and difficulty reading small print. Providing large-print handouts can make it easier for the client to read and understand important information. Repeat teaching may also be helpful, but it is not the most effective method for communicating with every client. Presenting teaching to the client's spouse or using a taped message may be helpful in some situations, but it is not specifically tailored to the client's needs and may not be the most effective method for presenting information to this client.

Question 6

A family asks why their father is attending activity groups at the long-term care facility.The son states,"My father worked hard all of his life.He just needs some rest at this point." Which is the appropriate nursing reply?

Accepted Answer

The nursing reply should provide an explanation of the benefits of the activity groups for the father, which includes social interaction, sensory stimulation, and reality orientation. Excusing the father from the groups, as in option A, may have a negative impact on his well-being. Option C and D are not accurate or appropriate.

Question 7

An elderly client has met the criteria for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder.The client does not respond to antidepressant medications.Which treatment should a nurse anticipate that the physician would prescribe for this client?

Accepted Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment that involves the use of electrical currents to stimulate the brain, which can be effective in treating severe depression in individuals who are not responsive to antidepressant medications. While neuroleptic therapy, antiparkinsonian agents, and anxiolytic agents may be used to treat certain symptoms associated with depression, they are not typically used as a first-line treatment for Major Depressive Disorder that is not responsive to antidepressant medications.

Question 8

Which psychiatric disorder would a nurse expect to see diagnosed in a client's later life?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder is a psychiatric disorder that can occur at any age, but is more commonly seen in older adults due to the influence of life changes such as retirement, the loss of loved ones, and declining physical health. The other disorders listed may also occur later in life, but major depressive disorder is the most common.

Question 9

James is an older adult who has bilateral cataracts.Which statement made by the nurse indicates implementation of appropriate nursing interventions for this patient? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

These interventions address the patient's visual impairment by providing cues to help them locate objects and communicate effectively.

Question 10

A nurse is conducting a class on fall prevention at a local senior center.In relationship to the slowed cognitive processing of advanced age,which teaching modification would be most appropriate for the nurse to implement?

Accepted Answer

Providing more time for client feedback is appropriate as it accommodates the slowed cognitive processing speed in older adults, allowing them to better understand and respond to the information being taught.

Question 11

After Margie's husband of 52 years passed away,Margie's 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,Margie 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,Margie 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 husband isn't here to see this." Which nursing actions are likely to improve Margie's self-esteem? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Referring Margie to a psychiatrist is not indicated as there is no information suggesting that she has a major depressive disorder. Assigning a roommate to "keep an eye on her" may make Margie feel that her privacy is being invaded and may worsen her feelings of embarrassment and humiliation. Hanging a large calendar and supplying Margie with a daily itinerary are both practical solutions that can help Margie keep track of important dates and events, improving her sense of control and self-esteem.

Question 12

A nursing instructor is teaching about reminiscence therapy.What student statement indicates that learning has occurred?

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately describes the purpose and goals of reminiscence therapy, which involves sharing important life memories to promote resolution and improve emotional well-being. The other options either only partially describe the therapy or provide inaccurate information.

Question 13

According to the U.S.Census Bureau criteria,how would a nurse classify a 70-year-old man?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Census Bureau classifies individuals aged 65 and older as "elderly." Therefore, a 70-year-old man would be classified as "elderly."

Question 14

A client has recently been placed in a long-term care facility because of marked confusion and inability to perform most activities of daily living (ADLs).Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to maintain the client's self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

Allowing the client to choose between two different outfits when dressing for the day provides a sense of control and independence, which can help maintain self-esteem. Leaving the client alone in the bathroom to test ability to perform self-care can be dangerous and may decrease self-esteem if the client is not successful. Assigning a variety of caregivers may increase confusion and decrease self-esteem from lack of consistency. Modifying the daily schedule often may increase confusion and decrease self-esteem from lack of routine.

Question 15

An elderly,emaciated client is brought to an emergency department by the client's caregiver.The client has bruises and abrasions on the shoulders and back in multiple stages of healing.When directly asked about these symptoms,which type of client response should a nurse anticipate?

Accepted Answer

It is not uncommon for elderly clients who are victims of abuse to deny or minimize their injuries, often out of fear of reprisal from their abuser or fear of being alone without a caregiver. The other options are less likely responses to this situation.

Question 16

A client diagnosed with Neurocognitive Disorder Due to Alzheimer's Disease has difficulty communicating because of cognitive deterioration.Which nursing intervention is appropriate to improve communication?

Accepted Answer

This intervention acknowledges the client's attempts at communication and clarifies any miscommunications, which can improve overall communication. Discouraging verbal communication or increasing volume may worsen frustration and confusion for the client. Encouraging the client to write may also be a helpful intervention, but the best choice is C.

Question 17

An elderly client who lives with a caregiver is admitted to an emergency department for a fractured arm.The client is soaked in urine and has dried fecal matter on the lower extremities.The client is 6 feet tall and weighs 120 pounds.Which condition should the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

The presence of urine and dried fecal matter on the client's body indicates neglect and possible abuse from the caregiver. The client's weight and height also suggest malnourishment and inadequate care. Inability to meet self-care needs (A) and caregiver role strain (D) are possibilities, but the evidence points towards more serious concerns of abuse and neglect. Alzheimer's dementia (B) is not indicated by the information given.

Question 18

Which adults are most likely to maintain a positive self-concept during the aging process? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Adults who maintain social connections and continue to engage in meaningful activities are more likely to maintain a positive self-concept during the aging process. Option A indicates a high level of work stress and potential lack of social connections. Option D indicates struggles with addiction which can lead to negative self-perceptions. Options B and C both indicate positive social connections and engagement in meaningful activities.

Question 19

The nurse is teaching the son of an older adult about the psychological changes associated with aging.Which statement made by the nurse is correct? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A is not entirely accurate as not all older adults experience decreased blood flow to the brain. C is a stereotype and not true for all older adults. B is correct as there is evidence that short-term memory deterioration in older adults is linked to difficulty with sorting strategies. D is correct as research suggests that mentally active older people have better memory retention than those who are not as mentally active. E is correct as older adults can still learn new tasks but may take longer due to changes in cognitive processes.

Question 20

Hank is an older adult widower who lives in a long-term care facility.Recently,Hank has been complaining of fatigue,sleeping excessively,and refusing to engage in unit activities,including meals.When the nurse asks Hank about these symptoms he sighs,"Don't worry about me.I'm just a tired old man who is waiting to die." Which questions are most important for the nurse to ask Hank? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The nurse should ask if Hank is thinking of hurting himself to assess for possible suicidal ideation. It is also important to ask how long he has been feeling this way to determine if this is a new or long-standing issue. Asking about his family or suggesting coming to dinner may not address the underlying issue and may not be helpful in addressing his symptoms.

Quiz 34: The Aging Individual