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A nurse is caring for a 76-year-old patient with a hearing deficit caused by presbycusis. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to do when communicating with the patient?
- A. Use a higher volume of speech.
- B. Address the client?s family members.
- C. Ask if the client can use sign language.
- D. Use lower pitched tones.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Presbycusis, age-related hearing loss, primarily affects high-frequency sounds, making lower-pitched tones easier to hear. Using lower-pitched tones (option D) is most appropriate, as it accommodates the patient?s hearing deficit. Higher volume (option A) may help but can distort sound if too loud. Addressing family members (option B) excludes the patient and is inappropriate. Sign language (option C) is irrelevant unless the patient is trained in it, which is not indicated.
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While caring for an 88-year-old client suspected of having dementia, the nurse assesses the client for a common delusional thought. Which of the following would the nurse interpret as a common delusion?
- A. I am the king of the universe.
- B. Creatures are living in my closet.
- C. The government has people following me.
- D. My roommate keeps stealing my clothes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In dementia, a common delusion is the belief that personal belongings are being stolen, often by familiar people like roommates or caregivers, as in option D. Grandiose delusions (option A) or paranoid delusions about the government (option C) are less common in dementia and more associated with other disorders like schizophrenia. Option B is less typical and more fantastical.
A couple is concerned that the husband?s father may be developing depression. In questioning the couple, which of the following statements would support their concern?
- A. Dad has been crying off and on now for over 2 weeks since Mom died. He?s also still having trouble sleeping.
- B. Dad is agitated and anxious; he?s been that way for a month now since Mom died.
- C. It?s been over 2 months now since Mom died, and Dad keeps crying; he can?t eat or sleep.
- D. Mom?s funeral was last week, and Dad hasn?t been able to eat or sleep since then.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Persistent crying, inability to eat, and sleep difficulties for over 2 months (option C) strongly suggest depression, as these symptoms exceed normal grief duration (typically lessening within 2 months). Option A (2 weeks) and option D (1 week) reflect acute grief, which is more expected. Option B (agitation and anxiety) is less specific to depression and could indicate other conditions.
An elderly client tells the nurse that she had been constipated for the last few days and decided to use an over-the-counter fiber laxative that is dissolved in water. When reviewing the use of this laxative with the client, which of the following would the nurse include as a possible side effect?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Nausea
- C. Flatus
- D. Stomach pain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fiber laxatives, such as psyllium, increase bulk in the stool and can cause flatus (gas) as a common side effect due to fermentation in the gut. Diarrhea (option A) may occur with overuse but is less common. Nausea (option B) and stomach pain (option D) are less directly associated with fiber laxatives compared to flatus.
Assessment of an older adult client reveals that the client is receiving psychiatric medications. The client states, 'I get dizzy periodically and have trouble walking.' Which of the following should the nurse do first?
- A. Compare the client?s baseline blood pressure with the client?s current blood pressure.
- B. Instruct the client to stop taking the psychiatric medications.
- C. Interview the client?s family about the client?s coping skills and current stress level.
- D. Suggest the client periodically use an alcohol-based mouthwash several times a day.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dizziness and walking difficulties in an older adult on psychiatric medications may indicate orthostatic hypotension, a common side effect. Comparing baseline and current blood pressure (option A) is the first step to assess this. Stopping medications (option B) is premature without evidence. Interviewing family (option C) is secondary to physical assessment. Mouthwash (option D) is irrelevant to the symptoms.
A nurse is assessing an older adult client. Which of the following would the nurse interpret as most indicative of mental health and wellness?
- A. Keeping social contacts to a minimum
- B. Interacting with others in the environment
- C. Relying solely on family for assistance
- D. Experiencing bereavement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Interacting with others in the environment (option B) is most indicative of mental health and wellness, as it reflects social engagement, a key component of psychological well-being. Keeping social contacts to a minimum (A) or relying solely on family (C) suggests isolation or dependence, which are less healthy. Bereavement (D) is a normal response but not an indicator of wellness.