Question 1

Which patient would have the highest risk of suicide?

Accepted Answer

Older males with a history of affective disorders (such as depression) have the highest risk of suicide compared to the general population. Age, gender, and psychiatric history are significant risk factors.

Question 2

What forms an individual's self-identity? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Self-identity is formed by a variety of factors, including one's values, interaction with others, self-esteem, and ability to control his or her life. Ambition may play a role in shaping one's goals and aspirations, but it is not as fundamental to self-identity as the other factors listed.

Question 3

What would the home health nurse expect the depressed patient to use in excessive amounts as the depression increases?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 4

The long-term care facility nurse is aware that the resident most at risk for suicide related to depression is the

Accepted Answer

The 80-year-old woman with a bipolar disorder is most at risk for suicide related to depression. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is associated with significant mood swings, including depressive episodes. It is a known risk factor for suicide. The other choices do not necessarily indicate a higher risk for suicide related to depression.

Question 5

What would be considered the most important indicator of a positive self-image in an older adult living in a long-term care facility?

Accepted Answer

While all of the options listed can contribute to a positive self-image, maintaining neat grooming and wearing fresh clothing is the most direct indicator of a personal sense of pride and self-worth, as it represents an intentional effort to present oneself in a positive manner. Feeding self independently and maintaining continence are also important aspects of personal autonomy, but may be impacted by physical limitations or medical conditions. Having family visitors every week can provide social support and validation, but may not directly impact one's own self-perception.

Question 6

The 75-year-old woman newly admitted to a long-term care facility seems fearful of her surroundings and is frequently tearful, saying, "I don't know what to do!" What action by the nurse would most help decrease her fear?

Accepted Answer

Helping the resident identify and verbalize her specific fears will allow the nurse to address those fears directly and provide appropriate interventions. Simply reassuring the resident or providing background noise may not address the root cause of her fear.

Question 7

What can the long-term care nurse do to best relieve anxiety in a female resident?

Accepted Answer

Offering the resident a diversion of a quiet activity is the best choice. Many long-term care residents benefit from quiet activities such as reading, puzzles, or listening to music. Providing her with a calming activity can help distract her from her anxiety and promote relaxation without the use of medication or over-stimulation. It is important to address the resident's individual needs and preferences when determining the best approach for anxiety relief.

Question 8

The nurse in a long-term care facility notes signs of depression in a resident who is ordinarily positive. What newly prescribed medication could contribute to the depression?

Accepted Answer

Corticosteroids can cause mood changes, including depression, even in individuals who are typically positive.

Question 9

What would cause the most damage to the self-concept of an older adult who lives in a long-term care facility?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What would cause the most damage to...

Question 10

An older adult has recently moved to a long-term care facility. The family asks what can be done to ease the transition. What would be the most appropriate suggestion of the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Visiting and calling often can help ease the transition for the older adult by reminding them that they are cared for and not forgotten. This can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation that may arise after moving to a long-term care facility. Sending cards or gifts instead of personal visits may not have the same emotional impact, and limiting contact may actually increase feelings of loneliness or abandonment. Communicating with the long-term facility's staff is important, but it should not be the only suggestion given to the family.

Question 11

What causes the greatest damage to self-worth?

Accepted Answer

Measuring oneself against external standards, such as societal expectations or comparisons to others, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth as it is difficult to always measure up to these idealized images. Measuring oneself against internal ideals and individual values can actually promote self-esteem and confidence, while relying solely on positive feedback can create a need for external validation and can be detrimental to self-worth in the long run.

Question 12

The newly admitted 80-year-old female resident sits in her room and stares at the TV all day. What action by the nurse would best aid the patient in increasing self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging the patient to participate in self-care activities can help improve self-esteem by promoting a sense of independence and accomplishment. It also helps to establish a routine and sense of purpose in daily activities.

Question 13

What is a common feeling for an older adult who is placed in a long-term care facility?

Accepted Answer

Rejection is a common feeling for older adults who are placed in long-term care facilities. This is because they may feel like they are being abandoned or no longer needed by their family or loved ones.

Question 14

How does the concept of ageism portray older adults?

Accepted Answer

The concept of ageism portrays older adults as physically inept and nonproductive, which is reflected in the negative stereotype of older adults being "frail" and incapable of contributing to society. This stereotype ignores the fact that many older adults are physically active and continue to work and contribute to their communities.

Question 15

An older adult has recently been placed in a long-term care facility. What would the nurse expect to see exhibited in the patient?

Accepted Answer

Placement in a long-term care facility can be a difficult transition for older adults, and they may feel unloved and unlovable due to the loss of independence and control in their lives. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-worth. While anger and determination may also be present, feeling unworthy for attention is a common reaction to this situation.

Question 16

What would have the largest impact on maintaining a positive self-perception?

Accepted Answer

Ability to control life's choices gives a sense of autonomy and self-determination, which can lead to a positive self-perception.

Question 17

An older adult in a long-term care facility has been diagnosed with depression. What would indicate a need for further assessment of suicide risk?

Accepted Answer

Asking for assistance in writing a will can indicate that an individual is putting their affairs in order, which might be a sign of considering suicide, especially in the context of depression. This warrants further assessment of suicide risk.

Question 18

What symptom could be an indicator of depression in an 80-year-old man?

Accepted Answer

Agitation and irritability can be symptoms of depression in the elderly, often presenting differently than in younger individuals. Depression in older adults may not always manifest as sadness or melancholy; instead, symptoms like irritability or agitation can be more prominent.

Question 19

The 70-year-old woman who had a stroke 3 months ago has a body image disturbance related to her spastic right arm and contracted fingers of the right hand. How can the nurse assist the patient in improving her body image?

Accepted Answer

Option C is the best choice as it can help the patient cover up the spastic right arm and contracted fingers by accessorizing with colorful scarves or other items of clothing. This can help the patient feel more confident in her appearance and improve her body image. Options A and B may be helpful for performing daily activities, but they do not address the issues related to body image. Option D may be helpful for increasing circulation in the right arm, but it does not directly address the patient's body image concerns.

Question 20

Which older adult would be at the highest risk for suicide?

Accepted Answer

One who abuses alcohol is at the highest risk for suicide among older adults. Substance abuse, including alcohol abuse, significantly increases the risk of suicide by impairing judgment, increasing impulsivity, and exacerbating feelings of depression or hopelessness.

Quiz 11: Self-Perception and Self-Concept