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The nurse is admitting a patient to a long-term care facility. During the admission, the patient verbalizes a concern about getting dementia now that he is in a nursing home. In which activities should the nurse encourage the patient to participate to maintain brain health?
- A. Physical exercise
- B. Stimulating mental activity
- C. Socialization
- D. Crossword puzzles
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Physical exercise. Engaging in physical exercise has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, promote the growth of new brain cells, and enhance cognitive function. This helps maintain brain health and may reduce the risk of developing dementia. Other choices are not as directly related to brain health. B: Stimulating mental activity is important but not as effective as physical exercise in preventing dementia. C: Socialization is beneficial for overall well-being but does not have a direct impact on brain health. D: Crossword puzzles are a form of mental stimulation, but physical exercise has a greater impact on brain health.
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What is the most common cause of delirium in hospitalized older adults?
- A. Medication side effects
- B. Sleep deprivation
- C. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- D. Electrolyte imbalances
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are a common cause of delirium in hospitalized older adults due to their impact on the central nervous system. UTIs can lead to systemic inflammation and affect cognitive function, resulting in delirium. Other choices like medication side effects, sleep deprivation, and electrolyte imbalances can contribute to delirium but are not as common or direct as UTIs in this population.
An older patient worries that simple tasks, like balancing a checkbook, take longer. How should the nurse respond?
- A. “Normal brain changes with aging slow central processing, so don’t worry.”
- B. “This is abnormal and needs immediate physician evaluation.”
- C. “Changes in brain function lead to decreased intellectual performance.”
- D. “Any change in function is concerning and needs evaluation.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Acknowledge patient's concern.
Step 2: Educate on normal aging changes affecting cognitive function.
Step 3: Reassure patient that slight delays in tasks are common.
Step 4: Encourage healthy habits to support cognitive function.
Step 5: Emphasize the importance of monitoring any significant changes.
Summary:
Choice A is correct as it addresses the concern, educates on normal aging changes, reassures the patient, and provides guidance on monitoring. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they either suggest immediate evaluation without considering normal aging changes or provide inaccurate information about brain function in aging.
An 81 yr old female presents to the ED with altered level of consciousness. All of the following except____ are possible causes for this condition.
- A. peripheral arterial disease
- B. hypoglycemia
- C. pneumonia
- D. hypotension from dehydration
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: peripheral arterial disease. Altered level of consciousness in an 81-year-old female is unlikely to be directly caused by peripheral arterial disease. Instead, hypoglycemia, pneumonia, and hypotension from dehydration are common causes of altered mental status in the elderly. Hypoglycemia can lead to brain dysfunction, pneumonia can cause low oxygen levels affecting brain function, and dehydration-induced hypotension can reduce blood flow to the brain. Therefore, peripheral arterial disease is not typically a direct cause of altered consciousness in this scenario.
In managing older adults with Alzheimer's disease, what is the most effective approach to improve quality of life?
- A. Pharmacological management of behavioral symptoms only
- B. Non-pharmacological interventions such as music therapy and structured routines
- C. Complete physical immobilization to reduce confusion
- D. Using sedatives to manage agitation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most effective approach to improve quality of life in older adults with Alzheimer's disease is non-pharmacological interventions like music therapy and structured routines. This is because these interventions have been shown to reduce behavioral symptoms, enhance cognitive function, and promote overall well-being without the potential side effects of pharmacological treatments. Music therapy can help calm and stimulate memory recall, while structured routines provide predictability and familiarity, reducing confusion and agitation. Pharmacological management of behavioral symptoms alone may not address the root causes of the behaviors and can lead to adverse effects. Physical immobilization is harmful and can worsen cognitive decline. Sedatives can have detrimental effects on cognition and may increase the risk of falls and other complications. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions are the most effective and holistic approach to enhancing the quality of life for older adults with Alzheimer's disease.
A nurse caring for older adults must be aware of which consequences of ageism in language? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Reduced sense of self
- B. Poor nutritional intake
- C. Lowered sense of self-competence
- D. Decreased memory performance
Correct Answer: A, C, D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Reduced sense of self: Ageist language can contribute to older adults feeling devalued and less confident.
2. Lowered sense of self-competence: Negative language can impact self-esteem and belief in one's abilities.
3. Decreased memory performance: Ageist language can reinforce negative stereotypes, leading to self-doubt and cognitive decline.
Summary of incorrect choices:
B: Poor nutritional intake - Not directly related to consequences of ageism in language.
Incorrect choices do not address the psychological and emotional impacts of ageist language on older adults.