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.
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A nurse is using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory to assess an older adult client who is exhibiting behavior problems related to dementia. When using this tool, which of the following would the nurse assess? Select all that apply.
- A. Dysphoria
- B. Inhibition
- C. Apathy
- D. Level of orientation
- E. Memory
- F. Anxiety
Correct Answer: A,C,F
Rationale: The Neuropsychiatric Inventory assesses behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia, including dysphoria (A), apathy (C), and anxiety (F). Inhibition (B) is not a standard domain, though disinhibition is. Level of orientation (D) and memory (E) are cognitive functions assessed by other tools, not the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, which focuses on behavioral symptoms.
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 group of nursing students is reviewing information about age-related changes occurring in cognition and intellectual performance. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as a normal cognitive change?
- A. Disorientation to time
- B. Slowed information processing
- C. Diminished executive functioning
- D. Restricted judgment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Slowed information processing (option B) is a normal age-related cognitive change, as processing speed declines with aging but does not impair overall function significantly. Disorientation to time (A), diminished executive functioning (C), and restricted judgment (D) are more indicative of pathological conditions like dementia, not normal aging.
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 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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