Nokea
A 78-year-old nursing home resident diagnosed with hypertension and cardiac disease is usually alert and oriented. This morning, however, the resident says, 'My family visited during the night. They stood by the bed and talked to me.' In reality, the patient's family lives 200 miles away. The nurse should first suspect what as the trigger for the resident's experience?
- A. A side effect associated with medications.
- B. Early Alzheimer's disease associated with advanced age.
- C. A transient ischemic attack and developed sensory perceptual alterations.
- D. Previously unidentified alcohol abuse and is beginning alcohol withdrawal delirium.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A resident taking medications is at high risk for becoming confused because of medication side effects, drug interactions, and delayed excretion.
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A student nurse visiting a senior center tells the instructor, 'It's so depressing to see all these old people. They are so weak and frail. They are probably all confused.' The student is expressing what attitude?
- A. Reality
- B. Ageism
- C. Empathy
- D. Distrust
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ageism is defined as a bias against older people because of their age. None of the other options can be identified from the ideas expressed by the student.
An advance directive gives valid direction to health care providers when a patient is demonstrating what characteristic?
- A. Aggression
- B. Dehydration
- C. Ineffective verbally communicate
- D. Unable to make health care decisions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Advance directives are invoked when patients are unable to make their own decisions.
A community mental health nurse plans an educational program for staff members at a home health agency that specializes in the care of older adults. What topic is of high priority?
- A. Identifying depression in older adults
- B. Providing cost-effective foot care for older adults
- C. Identifying nutritional deficiencies in older adults
- D. Psychosocial stimulation for those who live alone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Depression is the most common, most debilitating, and also most treatable psychiatric disorder in the older adult. Home health staff are often better versed in the physical aspects of care and less knowledgeable about mental health topics. Statistics show that older adult patients with mental health problems are less likely than young adults to be diagnosed accurately.
Recognizing the risk for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among older adults, nurses should provide health teaching focused on what?
- A. Discouraging sexual expression
- B. Using birth control measures
- C. Avoiding blood transfusions
- D. Encouraging condom use
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Safe sex continues to be important and should be taught to the older adult population. Condom use is diminished in postmenopausal women, which places older adults at risk for AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
A nurse and social worker co-lead a reminiscence group for eight adults aged 65 to 70. Which activity is most appropriate to include in the group?
- A. Singing a song from World War II
- B. Learning how to join an online social network
- C. Discussing national leadership during the Vietnam War
- D. Identifying the most troubling story in today's newspaper
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Young-old adults (65?74 years) were attuned to conflicts in national leadership during the Vietnam War, making this activity appropriate for a reminiscence group.