Question 1

Eighty percent of older adults have one chronic illness, and 60% have at least two. The older adult's ability to adapt determines:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Eighty percent of older adults have one...

Question 2

A nurse is providing care to an older adult at home after major abdominal surgery. Which of the following nursing diagnoses would most likely be appropriate?

Accepted Answer

After major abdominal surgery, the client is at increased risk for infection due to incisional wound and compromised immunity. Therefore, "Risk for Infection" would be the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. "Adult Failure to Thrive" may be appropriate if the client experiences inadequate nutrition or reduced ability to perform activities of daily living. "Anticipatory Grieving" may be appropriate if the client experiences loss, fear, or uncertainty about their health. "Impaired Memory" may be appropriate if the client experiences difficulty with recall or cognitive functioning. However, based on the given scenario, "Risk for Infection" would be the most immediate concern.

Question 3

According to Havighurst, which of the following are developmental tasks of middle adulthood? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Havighurst's developmental tasks for middle adulthood include accepting and adjusting to physical changes, maintaining a satisfactory occupation, assisting children to become responsible adults, and relating to one's spouse or partner as a person. Maintaining social contacts and relationships is more associated with older adulthood.

Question 4

In general, what is the focus of care for nurses who work with older adults?

Accepted Answer

The focus of care for nurses who work with older adults is to assist them to function as independently as possible. While physical care is important, promoting independence helps to maintain the client's physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Referring clients for emotional support and establishing goals and expected outcomes for the client may be part of the care plan, but these are not the primary focus.

Question 5

Which of the following are physical changes that occur in middle adulthood? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

In middle adulthood, physical changes include the redistribution of body fat, a gradual decrease in muscle mass, and a loss of calcium from bones. The skin becomes less elastic, not more, and cardiac output generally begins to decrease, not increase.

Question 6

A nurse is educating a group of middle adults about health promotion. What statement by one of the participants indicates the need for additional education?

Accepted Answer

A diet high in fat and low in fiber is not a healthy choice and can increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. The other options (A, C, D) demonstrate an understanding of health promotion and healthy behaviors.

Question 7

An older adult lives in a facility that provides, housing, group meals, personal care and support, social activities, and minimal health care services. What type of facility does this describe?

Accepted Answer

This describes an assisted living facility, which provides support and personal care services for older adults, along with meals, social activities, and minimal health care services. Nursing homes typically provide more intensive medical care, while accessory apartments and home modifications are focused on adapting existing residences to meet the needs of older adults who wish to age in place.

Question 8

A nurse who provides care in a long-term care facility recognizes the need to promote health rather than solely treating illness. Which of the following measures should the nurse encourage among the older adult resident population of the facility? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

B) Dietary supplements can help fill nutritional gaps, especially in older adults who may have dietary restrictions or decreased appetite. C) Adjusting the pace of activities and communication to match the abilities of older adults can enhance their participation and engagement, respecting their response times. E) Promoting self-care encourages independence and maintains functional ability, with assistance provided as needed to ensure safety and meet needs that the residents cannot meet on their own.

Question 9

While providing hygiene care to a confused older adult client diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the nures is called to the nursing station. To ensure patient safety the nurse must do what?

Accepted Answer

Putting up side rails will help prevent the confused client from falling or wandering while the nurse is away at the nursing station, ensuring their safety. The other options do not address the safety concern of the client in this scenario. Asking a family member to stay with the client is not always feasible, especially if they are not present or available. Covering the client with a blanket may contribute to their comfort but does not ensure safety. Reattaching restraints may not necessarily address the safety concern if the client is still able to move around and become a fall risk.

Question 10

The home health nurse is making an initial home visit to a male widow age 76 years. During the assessment the nurse finds that the client is taking multiple medications. The client states that he has also been taking some herbal remedies. What should the nurse be sure to include in the client education?

Accepted Answer

It is important for the nurse to explain to the client the potential interactions that may occur between prescription medications and herbal remedies, as well as the importance of informing his physician and pharmacist about his use of herbs. The nurse should not suggest that the client avoid the use of herbal remedies altogether, as some herbs may have benefits when used appropriately. The cost-effectiveness and holistic nature of herbal remedies are not relevant to the education on medication safety.

Question 11

The nurse is assigned to a 52-year-old male patient. He is talkative and usually friendly when the nurse enters his room. Today, however, he is standing at the mirror and says: I lost my job because the company downsized, there isn't anything I can do. As his caregiver, the nurse recognizes this expression of concern is related to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The patient's expression of concern about losing his job due to company downsizing and feeling there isn't anything he can do is related to worries about how this event affects his future, particularly his career goals and retirement plans. This reflects concerns about financial security and achieving long-term objectives, rather than self-blame, dissatisfaction with physical changes, or an androgenic crisis.

Question 12

Dementia is a disorder that progresses over several years, with increasing confusion, forgetting family, and disorientation in familiar surroundings. A common problem with dementia patients is sundowning syndrome, which is described as ...

Accepted Answer

Sundowning syndrome is a common problem with dementia patients, which involves habitual agitation, restlessness, and confusion that usually occurs after dark. This can persist well into the night and, as a result, these patients experience increased sleeplessness. The reason behind this condition is still not fully understood, but researchers believe that it is related to changes in the patient's circadian rhythm.

Question 13

Which of the following statements is true of the older adult population?

Accepted Answer

Incontinence is not a normal part of aging; it can be caused by various health issues and should be addressed with medical care.

Question 14

A nurse documents the following assessment on an older adult client's chart: "dry, thin skin." Which of the following nursing diagnoses would be appropriate for this client?

Accepted Answer

Dry, thin skin puts the client at risk for infection, as the skin is an important barrier against pathogens.

Question 15

One of the adverse events that Medicare will no longer reimburse the hospital for is an in-hospital fall. Fall prevention is a major part of nursing and risk management. In order to reduce the risk of falling, the nurse must:

Accepted Answer

Fall prevention strategies include ensuring patients wear prescription glasses to see clearly, posting signs to alert staff of high-risk patients, assessing patients' fatigue levels as it can affect their stability, and monitoring their gait and balance to identify any issues that could increase the risk of falls. Assisting every patient with ambulation (C) is not practical or necessary for all patients, as many can ambulate safely without assistance.

Quiz 19: The Aging Adult