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A nurse caring for older adults in a provider's office researches aging theories to help determine why some people age more rapidly than others. Which statements describe the immunity theory of the aging process? Select all that apply.
- A. Immunosenescence likely promotes the increase in infections in the older adult.
- B. Free radicals have adverse effects on adjacent molecules.
- C. Decreases in size and function of the thymus result in more infections.
- D. Nutrition likely plays an important role in maintaining the immune response.
- E. Lifespan depends to a great extent on genetic factors.
- F. Organisms wear out from increased metabolic functioning.
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: The immunity theory of aging focuses on the functions of the immune system and states that the immune response declines steadily after younger adulthood as the thymus loses size and function, resulting in more infections. Vitamin supplements (such as vitamin E) may improve immune function. Free radicals are part of the free radical theory, not the immunity theory. The genetic theory of aging holds that lifespan depends on genetic factors. The wear-and-tear theory suggests organisms wear out from increased metabolic functioning.
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A nursing student caring for older adults in a skilled nursing facility is completing an assignment identifying physical changes that are part of normal aging. What changes will the student include in this assignment? Select all that apply.
- A. Fatty tissue is redistributed.
- B. Skin is drier and wrinkles appear.
- C. Cardiac output increases.
- D. Muscle mass increases.
- E. Hormone production increases.
- F. Visual and hearing acuity diminishes.
Correct Answer: A,B,F
Rationale: Physical changes occurring with aging include redistribution of fatty tissue, drier skin with wrinkles, and diminished visual and hearing acuity. Cardiac output decreases, muscle mass decreases (sarcopenia), and hormone production decreases, causing menopause or andropause.
Following a fall that left an older adult temporarily bedridden, the nurse is using the SPICES assessment tool to evaluate for cascade iatrogenesis. Which are correct aspects of this tool? Select all that apply.
- A. Senility
- B. Problems with feeding
- C. Irritability
- D. Confusion
- E. Edema of the legs
- F. Skin breakdown
Correct Answer: B,D,F
Rationale: The SPICES acronym identifies common problems in older adults: S-Sleep disorders, P-Problems with eating or feeding, I-Incontinence, C-Confusion, E-Evidence of falls, S-Skin breakdown. Senility is not a specific term used in the SPICES tool, and irritability is not part of the acronym.
The charge nurse in a long-term care facility discusses ageism with new nurse employees. Nurses are asked to intervene if they observe which of these examples demonstrating ageism?
- A. The AP encourages older adults to apply makeup or aftershave to promote positive self-image.
- B. The activity director explains to an older adult they could learn to use video conferencing to speak to their grandchildren.
- C. A nurse colleague states that older adult should not think about having a boyfriend or girlfriend after age 70 years.
- D. A nurse recognizes the patient who lost their partner of 45 years may be experiencing loneliness.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ageism involves stereotyping older adults based on characteristics not universal to their age group. Stating that older adults should not pursue romantic relationships after age 70 is an example of ageism, as it dismisses their capacity for relationships. The other options promote positive self-image, resilience, or acknowledge emotional needs.
A nurse providing health services for a community setting for people age 55 years and older considers health problems for these residents. Which of the following problems is most appropriate for many middle-aged adults?
- A. Adequate nutrition
- B. Mental health problems
- C. Abuse
- D. Caregiver role strain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Many middle-aged adults help care for aging parents, leading to caregiver role strain due to 24-hour care responsibilities over extended periods. Nutritional issues are more common in childhood or older adulthood, while mental health problems and abuse can occur across age groups but are less specific to middle-aged adults.
A nurse is caring for older adults in a senior adult day services (ADS) center. Which findings require follow up with the health care provider?
- A. Skin pigmentation caused by exposure to sun over the years
- B. Thin toenails with a bluish tint to the nail beds
- C. Using a walker while healing from a hip fracture related to brittle bones
- D. Bruising on forearms due to fragile blood vessels in the dermis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A bluish tint to the nail beds may indicate hypoxemia, which requires follow-up with a health care provider. Skin pigmentation from sun exposure, using a walker for a hip fracture, and bruising due to fragile blood vessels are common in aging and typically do not require immediate follow-up unless severe or accompanied by other symptoms.