Nokea
An 80-year-old patient has difficulty walking because of arthritis and says, 'It's awful to be old. Every day is a struggle. No one cares about old people.' Which is the nurse's most therapeutic response?
- A. Everyone here cares about old people. That's why we work here.'
- B. It sounds like you're having a difficult time. Tell me about it.'
- C. Let's not focus on the negative. Tell me something good.'
- D. You are still able to get around, and your mind is alert.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse uses therapeutic communication and empathic understanding to encourage the patient to express frustration and clarify the 'struggle' for the nurse.
You may also like to solve these questions
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.
If an older adult patient must be physically restrained, who is responsible for the patient's safety?
- A. Nurse assigned to care for the patient.
- B. Nursing assistant who applies the restraint.
- C. Health care provider who ordered the application of the restraint.
- D. Family member who agrees to the application of the restraint.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse caring for the patient is responsible for the safe application of restraining devices and for providing safe care while the patient is restrained.
A patient asks the nurse, 'I already have a living will. Why should I have a durable power of attorney for health care also?' The nurse should provide what as the truth related to a durable power of attorney for health care?
- A. It gives your agent the authority to make decisions about your care if you are unable to during any illness.
- B. It can be given only to a relative, usually the next of kin, who has your best interests at heart.
- C. It authorizes your physician to make decisions about your care that are in your best interest.
- D. It can be used only if you have a terminal illness and become incapacitated.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A durable power of attorney for health care is an instrument that appoints a person other than a health care provider to act as an individual's agent in the event that he or she is unable to make medical decisions.
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 nurse assessing an older adult patient for depression should include questions about mood as well as which other symptoms?
- A. Increased appetite
- B. Sleep pattern changes
- C. Anhedonia and anergia
- D. Increased social isolation
- E. Increased concern with bodily functions
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E
Rationale: These symptoms are often noted in older adult patients experiencing depression. Somatic symptoms are often present but missed by nurses as being related to depression.