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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.
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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.
The nurse in a long-term care facility states in report that an older adult resident is quite frail. The oncoming caregiver prioritizes prevention of what problem?
- A. Confusion
- B. Falls
- C. Delirium
- D. Dementia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Frailty in older adults increases the risk of falls due to reduced strength, balance, and mobility. Preventing falls is a priority to avoid injuries such as fractures. Confusion, delirium, and dementia are important but are not as directly linked to frailty as falls.
A nursing instructor teaching a gerontology class to nursing students discusses myths related to the aging of adults. Which statement will the students identify as a myth about older adults?
- A. Most older adults live in their own homes.
- B. Healthy older adults enjoy sexual activity.
- C. Aging results in mental deterioration.
- D. Older adults want to be attractive to others.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The myth that aging results in mental deterioration is incorrect, as intelligence does not normally decrease with aging, though response time may be slower. Most older adults do live in their own homes, healthy older adults enjoy sexual activity, and older adults often want to be attractive to others.
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.
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.