Nokea
The gerontological nurse collaborates with the wound care team about an older patient who has an ulcer. How is this nurse demonstrating leadership in the care of older people?
- A. Assessing older adults effectively
- B. Facilitating access to eldercare programs
- C. Coordinating members of the health care team
- D. Empowering older adults to manage chronic illness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Coordinating members of the health care team. This demonstrates leadership as the nurse is taking charge of organizing and communicating with various healthcare professionals to ensure the best care for the older patient. By collaborating with the wound care team, the nurse shows effective coordination and communication skills, which are crucial in managing complex cases in older adults. Assessing older adults effectively (choice A) is important but does not specifically address leadership in coordinating care. Facilitating access to eldercare programs (choice B) is important but does not directly demonstrate leadership in coordinating care. Empowering older adults to manage chronic illness (choice D) is important for patient education but does not directly show leadership in coordinating the healthcare team.
You may also like to solve these questions
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.
Which of the following is the leading cause of hospitalization for older adults in the United States?
- A. Pneumonia
- B. Stroke
- C. Diabetes
- D. Congestive heart failure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pneumonia. Older adults are more susceptible to pneumonia due to weakened immune systems and other health conditions. Pneumonia can lead to severe complications requiring hospitalization. Stroke (B) affects a significant number of older adults but is not the leading cause of hospitalization. Diabetes (C) and Congestive heart failure (D) are prevalent in older adults but are not the primary reason for hospitalization. Pneumonia's severity and impact on older adults' health make it the leading cause of hospitalization.
What is the primary role of the gerontological nurse when providing end-of-life care for a terminally ill older adult?
- A. To offer aggressive curative treatments to extend life
- B. To focus on pain management and comfort care, ensuring dignity
- C. To administer sedatives to prevent distress
- D. To encourage family members to make all decisions for the patient
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer, B, is the primary role of the gerontological nurse when providing end-of-life care for a terminally ill older adult. This choice emphasizes the importance of pain management, comfort care, and preserving the patient's dignity. The nurse's focus should be on enhancing the quality of life and ensuring the patient's comfort rather than pursuing aggressive curative treatments (A). Administering sedatives (C) should be based on individual needs and preferences, not as a blanket approach. While family involvement is crucial, the nurse should still advocate for the patient's autonomy and preferences, rather than solely relying on family decisions (D).
A man is terminally ill with end-stage prostate cancer. Which is the best statement about this man’s wellness?
- A. Wellness can only be achieved with aggressive medical interventions.
- B. Wellness is not a real option for this client because he is terminally ill.
- C. Wellness is defined as the absence of disease.
- D. Nursing interventions can help empower a client to achieve a higher level of wellness.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because nursing interventions can focus on enhancing the client's quality of life, comfort, and emotional well-being even in the face of terminal illness. Nurses can provide support, educate the client and family, manage symptoms, and empower the client to find meaning and purpose in their life. This approach contributes to a higher level of wellness by addressing holistic needs beyond just medical interventions.
Incorrect choices:
A: Wellness can be achieved through various means, not just aggressive medical interventions.
B: Wellness is still achievable in terms of emotional, social, and spiritual well-being even with a terminal illness.
C: Wellness involves physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects beyond just the absence of disease.
Which of the following is a sign of frailty in older adults?
- A. Increased muscle mass
- B. Unexplained weight gain
- C. Difficulty walking and balance issues
- D. Improved cognitive function
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C - Difficulty walking and balance issues. Frailty in older adults is characterized by physical weakness, decreased muscle strength, and reduced functional capacity. Difficulty walking and balance issues are key indicators of frailty as they reflect a decline in physical capabilities. Increased muscle mass (A) is not a sign of frailty but rather a positive indicator of strength. Unexplained weight gain (B) may not necessarily be related to frailty. Improved cognitive function (D) is unrelated to physical frailty.