Question 1

A student is providing care for a resident in a long-term care facility who must be moved via geriatric chair and requires assistance with feeding. The student has just finished giving the resident a bed bath, and it is currently nearing time for the midday meal. The student's best action is to

Accepted Answer

It is important to promote the resident's independence and socialization by transferring them to the dining area. The student should seek assistance to ensure safe transfer and feed the resident in the dining area.

Question 2

Which of the following statistics is anticipated to be true by 2030?

Accepted Answer

According to the United States Census Bureau, by 2030, it is projected that one in every five U.S. citizens will be 65 years or older, and of those, a significant portion will be over the age of 85. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Options A, B, and C are not accurate projections for 2030.

Question 3

A student nurse just finished assisting a resident of a long-term care facility in the shower. It is most important for the student nurse to disinfect the shower to help prevent the spread of

Accepted Answer

Clostridium difficile is a highly infectious bacterium that can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Therefore, it is crucial to disinfect the shower to prevent the transmission of this organism which causes diarrhea and can be life-threatening for some vulnerable individuals, including older adults living in long-term care facilities. Disinfecting the shower after each use can help stop the spread of germs and protect the health and safety of residents and staff.

Question 4

A nurse is assessing an 82-year-old patient with diabetes. Based on the individual's age, the nurse should pay particular attention to the patient's

Accepted Answer

As people age, their skin becomes less elastic and their feet may become wider and flatter. The nerve function in their feet may also decrease, which can cause issues with sensation and increase the risk for foot injuries or complications related to diabetes. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to pay particular attention to the patient's feet.

Question 5

A nurse is approached by a resident in a long-term care facility who walks with a cane, has notable facial droop, and takes a long time to express what he wants to say. The best response by the nurse is to

Accepted Answer

The best response by the nurse is to face the individual and directly ask, "What can I do for you?" This acknowledges the individual's communication difficulties while still allowing them to communicate their needs. Option B may be insulting or embarrassing to the individual if they are able to hear but have difficulty expressing themselves. Option C assumes the individual is experiencing one of those issues and does not address any other needs they may have. Option D does not address the individual's needs directly and may not be sufficient in determining what the individual needs.

Question 6

While providing care to an elderly individual with chronic obstructive lung disease, a nurse realizes that further teaching is necessary when the patient states:

Accepted Answer

The patient's statement of only coming in close contact with others who have a respiratory illness is incorrect. This puts the patient at risk of contracting other infections that could exacerbate their chronic lung disease. The patient should avoid close contact with anyone who is sick, regardless of the type of illness.

Question 7

A nurse is providing care to a resident with rapidly advancing Alzheimer's disease who receives a visit from a granddaughter who lives in another state. The granddaughter states, "She doesn't even know me, and she doesn't seem like Grandma at all." The best response by the nurse is:

Accepted Answer

The best response in this situation is to acknowledge the granddaughter's feelings and offer her an opportunity to share memories of her grandmother. This can help the granddaughter to feel heard and validated while also honoring the resident's life and personality before the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Options A and B are dismissive and do not provide emotional support, while option C is empathetic but does not provide an opening for conversation.

Question 8

The Health Resources and Services Administration projects that by the year 2020, the supply of nurses in the United States

Accepted Answer

The question is asking about the projected supply of nurses in the US by 2020 and whether it will be adequate to deal with the aging population. The Health Resources and Services Administration projects that the supply of nurses in the US will fall more than 1 million below the number required to deal with the aging population by 2020, indicating a significant shortage of nurses. Choice C is the only option that reflects this projection.

Question 9

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to an elderly woman and her family caretakers. Teaching has been effective if the patient states:

Accepted Answer

Keeping a list of medications and bringing it to follow-up appointments shows that the patient understands the importance of medication management and being proactive in her own healthcare. This is an important step in preventing medication errors and ensuring proper treatment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they provide incorrect information or suggest unsafe medication practices.

Question 10

A nurse recognizes that an individual who is most likely experiencing frequent loss of friends, family members, and physical capabilities is

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse recognizes that an individual who...

Question 11

When assessing an elderly individual who was brought into the emergency department, a nurse would be most concerned that

Accepted Answer

Multiple bruises in various stages of healing across the shoulders and back may indicate physical abuse or neglect, which is a serious concern for an elderly individual brought to the emergency department. Wet adult diapers (A) may indicate incontinence but are not necessarily a cause for immediate concern. A small skin tear (B) may also not require immediate attention. While it is ideal to have family members accompany a patient (D), it is not necessarily a concern in this situation.

Question 12

A nurse is providing instruction to an elderly patient about osteoporosis. Further instruction by the nurse is necessary if the patient states:

Accepted Answer

Dairy products are a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health, especially in older adults who are at risk for osteoporosis. Therefore, if the patient states that they never consume any dairy products, further instruction from the nurse is necessary.

Question 13

A 72-year-old man is complaining that he just does not have the energy to keep up with his preferred lifestyle anymore and that he is having trouble keeping his blood pressure under control. The nurse assures the patient that these concerns are common in people classified as

Accepted Answer

The answer of A 72-year-old man is complaining that he...

Question 14

A nurse is notified that a new admission is expected to the unit. The nurse is told that the patient is 101 years old and is being admitted from a nearby nursing home. An appropriate assumption is that

Accepted Answer

The patient's age alone does not imply blindness, confusion, or complete dependence. However, older adults are at an increased risk for falls, so it is appropriate to assume the patient's risk for falls may be high.

Question 15

A nurse who is working in a long-term care facility recognizes that safety concerns in the elderly population are most often related to normal changes in which of the following systems?

Accepted Answer

As individuals age, their sensory systems may decline, including vision, hearing, and touch. This can increase the risk of falls, burns, and other accidents, making it a common safety concern in elderly populations. While changes in the cardiovascular, peripheral-vascular, and integumentary systems can also occur with aging, they are not typically the primary cause of safety concerns in this population.

Question 16

While assisting with the admission of an elderly woman who lives at home with her son and his family, a nurse would be most concerned to find that

Accepted Answer

Based on the scenario, the elderly woman is living at home with her son and his family. Therefore, it is important to identify any signs of overmedication as it may indicate neglect or improper care from the patient's caregivers. The other options may be of concern but do not necessarily indicate immediate harm or neglect.

Question 17

A nurse finds a resident in a long-term care facility crying in her room. The nurse knows that the resident's husband recently passed away. The best action by the nurse is to

Accepted Answer

Sitting quietly with the resident offers emotional support and allows the resident to express her grief. It shows the nurse's empathy and compassion towards the resident. Closing the door for privacy is appropriate but it doesn't provide any emotional support. Informing the resident about Bingo or shower time is not helpful in this situation and can come across as dismissive of the resident's feelings.

Question 18

An elderly patient expresses concern to a home health-care nurse about his ability to afford groceries along with all of the new medications he was given in the hospital. Which of the following should be added to his plan of care?

Accepted Answer

A referral to a social worker would be the best choice as they can assist the patient in accessing resources such as food assistance programs or prescription drug assistance programs. They can also provide counseling on financial matters and can help the patient navigate the healthcare system to ensure they are receiving the most affordable care possible. An appointment with a chaplain may be helpful for emotional or spiritual support, but it would not directly address the patient's concern about affording groceries and medications. A referral for family counseling may also be helpful, but it would not address the immediate need for financial assistance. An appointment with a pharmacist may be useful to review the patient's medications and ensure they are taking them correctly, but the pharmacist is not able to provide resources for financial assistance.

Question 19

When discussing safety in the home with an elderly neighbor, a nurse would say:

Accepted Answer

Option A is correct because it offers practical advice for maintaining safety and protecting against potential scams or fraud, which is a common concern for elderly individuals. The other options are more about expressing distrust, concern, or potentially leading to feelings of fear or insecurity, rather than providing constructive advice.

Question 20

A nurse's coworker states, "All old people are the same-cranky and needy." The nurse's most appropriate response would be:

Accepted Answer

This response acknowledges the coworker's statement while redirecting the conversation to the importance of treating patients as individuals, regardless of age. It also promotes a patient-centered approach to care.

Quiz 32: Care of Elderly Patients