Nokea
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.
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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).
What is the most effective intervention to prevent skin breakdown in immobile older adults?
- A. Frequent use of powder to keep skin dry
- B. Application of a thick layer of moisturizer
- C. Regular repositioning and use of pressure-relieving devices
- D. Ensuring complete bed rest to limit movement
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because regular repositioning and the use of pressure-relieving devices are essential to prevent skin breakdown in immobile older adults. Repositioning helps redistribute pressure, maintaining blood flow to the skin and preventing tissue damage. Pressure-relieving devices such as cushions or special mattresses further reduce pressure on vulnerable areas. Choices A and B do not address the root cause of skin breakdown and may even exacerbate the issue. Choice D is incorrect as complete bed rest can lead to further complications like pressure ulcers. In summary, choice C is the most effective intervention as it directly targets the risk factors for skin breakdown in immobile older adults.
What is the most significant predictor of successful aging in older adults?
- A. Financial security
- B. Physical fitness and health
- C. Social engagement and support
- D. Mental resilience
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Social engagement and support. Social engagement has been identified as a crucial factor in successful aging, as it contributes to emotional well-being, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. Older adults with strong social networks tend to have better physical and mental health outcomes. Social support can help individuals cope with stress, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and provide a sense of purpose and belonging. Financial security (A) is important but not the most significant predictor. Physical fitness and health (B) are essential but do not solely determine successful aging. Mental resilience (D) is valuable, but the social aspect plays a more significant role in aging successfully.
All of the following except ___are risk factors for an elderly person developing pneumonia.
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Neurological disease
- C. Heart failure
- D. COPD
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diarrhea. Diarrhea is not a risk factor for developing pneumonia in elderly individuals. The rationale for this is that pneumonia is primarily caused by respiratory infections, not gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Neurological disease, heart failure, and COPD are all risk factors for pneumonia because they can weaken the immune system or impair lung function, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections. These conditions can lead to aspiration, impaired cough reflex, or compromised lung function, increasing the likelihood of developing pneumonia.
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.