Question 1

An older 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 regime?

Accepted Answer

Antidepressants are metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. If the client has altered liver and kidney functioning, it could affect the metabolism and excretion of the medication, leading to potential toxicity or ineffective treatment.

Question 2

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 response?

Accepted Answer

The appropriate nursing response would be to provide education on the benefits of activity groups, which include social interaction, sensory stimulation, and reality orientation. The son's statement may indicate a lack of understanding of the importance of these groups for cognitive function and quality of life in long-term care. The response should not be to excuse the father from the activity groups or make assumptions about the level of functioning required to benefit from them.

Question 3

An older, emaciated client is brought to an emergency department by the client's caregiver. The client has bruises and abrasions on 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

Older clients who are victims of abuse may deny or minimize injuries due to fear or loyalty to the abuser. They may also be forgetful or confused, but denial or minimization is the common response. The client asking to be placed in a nursing home is not a typical response to being asked about injuries.

Question 4

A nurse is listening to a lecture on the environmental theory. Which statement(s) by the nurse indicates that teaching has been effective?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse is listening to a lecture...

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Providing information about support groups for children of residents in similar situations can help alleviate the son's guilt and provide him with a sense of community.

Question 6

A client in the middle stage of Alzheimer's disease has difficulty communicating because of cognitive deterioration. Which nursing intervention is appropriate to improve communication?

Accepted Answer

Verbalizing the nurse's perception of the implied communication can help the client feel heard and understood, and can facilitate communication. This shows the client that their communication attempts are being acknowledged and can help them feel less frustrated.

Question 7

An older client who lives with a caregiver is admitted to an emergency department with a fractured arm. The client is soaked in urine and has dried fecal matter on 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 fecal matter on the client's body indicates that the client's basic hygiene needs are not being met, which raises concerns for abuse and/or neglect by the caregiver. The client's weight and height may also indicate malnutrition or neglect. Option A, inability to meet self-care needs, can be a valid reason, but in this case, the caregiver seems responsible for not providing the necessary care. Alzheimer's disease (option B) is not a likely cause of neglect unless the caregiver is overwhelmed because of their ability to provide care. Caregiver role strain (option D) may be a contributing factor, but abuse and neglect must be ruled out first.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

This answer correctly identifies that reminiscence therapy involves sharing both positive and negative memories in order to promote resolution. The other answer choices either provide incomplete or inaccurate information about the therapy.

Question 9

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 response?

Accepted Answer

The appropriate nursing response is to acknowledge the patient's feelings and offer to talk about it, rather than dismissing or challenging his belief. Empathy and active listening are crucial in establishing a trusting relationship and promoting the patient's well-being. The other options are all examples of invalidating the patient's feelings or denying his experience, which can escalate his agitation and potentially worsen his behavior.

Question 10

The discipline of _______________________ is the branch of clinical medicine specializing in psychopathology of the elderly population.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The discipline of _______________________ is the branch...

Question 11

Which individual is most likely to be below the poverty level in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Older women, especially those who live alone, are at a higher risk of being below the poverty level. Minority groups, such as Hispanics and African Americans, also face higher rates of poverty compared to the general population.

Question 12

An older client attending an adult day care program suddenly begins reporting dizziness, weakness, and confusion. What should be the initial nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Reporting sudden onset of dizziness, weakness, and confusion in an older adult may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Therefore, advocating for a complete physical examination is the best initial nursing intervention to determine and address the cause of these symptoms. Options A, C, and D do not address the potential medical concerns and would not be appropriate initial interventions in this situation.

Question 13

A student nurse asks the instructor, "Which psychiatric disorder is most likely initially diagnosed in the elderly?" Which instructor response gives the student accurate information?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder in the elderly. Schizophrenia typically presents in late adolescence or early adulthood, phobic disorders can develop at any age, and personality disorders are typically diagnosed earlier in life.

Question 14

A nurse is charting assessment information about a 70-year-old client. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, what term would the nurse use to describe this client?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse is charting assessment information about...

Question 15

An older client has met the criteria for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The client does not respond to antidepressant medications. Which therapeutic intervention should a nurse anticipate will be ordered for this client?

Accepted Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a therapeutic intervention that may be ordered for clients with major depressive disorder who do not respond to antidepressant medications. ECT involves delivering an electrical current to the brain to induce a brief seizure, which can improve mood symptoms. ECT is considered to be safe and effective for many clients, especially those who are not responding to other treatment options.

Question 16

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. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to maintain the client's self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

Allowing the client to choose between two outfits when dressing for the day gives them a sense of control and independence, which can help maintain their self-esteem despite their limitations. Leaving the client alone in the bathroom could be dangerous and may not promote self-esteem, assigning a variety of caregivers may be overwhelming and confusing for the client, and modifying the daily schedule often can add to the confusion and disorientation the client may experience.

Quiz 25: The Aging Individual