Based on current demographic data, which of the following statements identifies a predictive trend regarding the health care needs of society?
- A. Most nurses will not need to care for older persons.
- B. More nursing services will be required to serve the needs of the population older than 85 years of age.
- C. Fewer nurses will be needed to care for older adults.
- D. Older adults expect their quality of life to be less than that of earlier generations at their ages.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because demographic data shows an increasing aging population, leading to a higher demand for healthcare services for individuals over 85. This trend indicates a greater need for nursing services to cater to the specific health care needs of this age group. Option A is incorrect as the aging population will require more care. Option C is also incorrect as fewer nurses will not be sufficient to meet the increasing demand. Option D is irrelevant to the predictive trend of healthcare needs based on demographics.
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The home care nurse is performing an environmental assessment in the home of an older adult. Which of the following requires immediate nursing action?
- A. Unsecured scattered rugs
- B. Operable smoke detector
- C. Prefilled medication cassette
- D. Unsecured scattered rugs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Unsecured scattered rugs. This requires immediate nursing action as it poses a significant fall risk for the older adult. Rugs can cause tripping hazards, leading to potential injuries. The nurse should secure or remove the rugs to ensure the safety of the patient.
Summary of other choices:
B: Operable smoke detector - While important for safety, it does not require immediate nursing action as it is already in working condition.
C: Prefilled medication cassette - This is not an immediate safety concern and can be addressed during routine medication management.
D: Unsecured scattered rugs (repeated) - This choice is the same as the correct answer, so it is incorrect.
Which common cognitive impairment is often mistaken for normal aging in older adults?
- A. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
- B. Alzheimer's disease
- C. Dementia with Lewy bodies
- D. Vascular dementia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is often mistaken for normal aging because it involves subtle changes in memory and thinking abilities that are beyond what is expected for age but not severe enough to be classified as dementia. Individuals with MCI may experience forgetfulness or difficulty with complex tasks, which can be misconstrued as typical age-related changes. Alzheimer's disease (B), dementia with Lewy bodies (C), and vascular dementia (D) are all forms of dementia characterized by more significant cognitive decline and functional impairment compared to MCI, making them less likely to be confused with normal aging.
A family member asks if vitamin C will prevent aging. The nurse considers which theory?
- A. Free radical theory
- B. Immunological theory
- C. Oxidative stress theory
- D. Telomere theory
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Free radical theory. Vitamin C is thought to prevent aging by combatting free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Immunological theory (B) focuses on the role of the immune system in aging. Oxidative stress theory (C) is related to free radical theory but does not specifically address the role of vitamin C. Telomere theory (D) pertains to the shortening of telomeres, which are protective structures at the end of chromosomes, but is not directly related to the role of vitamin C in preventing aging.
The nurse is providing a patient education session about gerontologic specialty certification. Which statement is accurate?
- A. Gerontological nursing certification indicates that a nurse has advanced knowledge and skills specifically related to the care of older adults.
- B. All nurses in long-term care must obtain gerontological certification after completing their initial training.
- C. Certification in gerontology is only necessary for nurses working in rehabilitation centers.
- D. Only nurses with a master's degree can achieve certification in gerontology.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Gerontological nursing certification focuses on advanced knowledge and skills for caring for older adults.
Step 2: This certification is not a requirement for all nurses in long-term care or limited to rehabilitation centers.
Step 3: Nurses with various levels of education, not just a master's degree, can obtain gerontological certification.
Therefore, option A is correct as it accurately states that gerontological nursing certification signifies advanced knowledge and skills specific to older adult care. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they provide inaccurate information about the certification requirements and scope.
The term health disparity is defined as
- A. The systematic elimination of the culture of another resulting in decreased wellness.
- B. Differences in health outcomes among groups.
- C. The difference between an expected incidence and prevalence and that which actually occurs in a comparison population group.
- D. The existence of more than one group with differing values and perspective.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because health disparity refers to variations in health outcomes among different groups due to factors such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, etc. This definition accurately captures the essence of health disparity as it highlights the unequal distribution of health outcomes.
Choice A is incorrect because it refers to cultural elimination, which is not the definition of health disparity. Choice C is incorrect as it talks about differences in expected and actual incidence, not health outcomes among groups. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on values and perspectives rather than health outcomes.