Nokea
The nurse is caring for the 55-year-old client. Which statement by the client related to psychosocial changes should the nurse most definitely explore?
- A. I really don’t want to color my hair, even though it seems to be getting grayer every day.'
- B. I can’t see as sharp anymore. I get frustrated by the small lettering on the medicine bottles.'
- C. My husband and I have a more active sexual life now that the children are out of the house.'
- D. My house is empty; I thought I’d be happy when my children finally left, but I feel lonely.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client’s statement suggests empty nest syndrome, a psychosocial concern requiring further exploration. Graying hair is a normal physiological change, vision issues are physiological, and an active sexual life indicates a healthy relationship.
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The nurse is reviewing a laboratory report for a 61-year-old client. Which finding is most important for the nurse to address with the HCP?
- A. Total cholesterol 180 mg/dL; was 140 at age 50
- B. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) increased
- C. Alkaline phosphatase increased
- D. AST, ALT, and serum bilirubin increased
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Elevated liver function tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin) are not age-related and suggest liver pathology, requiring immediate HCP notification. Cholesterol, ESR, and alkaline phosphatase increases are normal with aging.
The nurse overhears a person say, 'I’m having a senior moment because I forgot.' How should the nurse interpret this statement?
- A. This phrase is a comical statement without age bias and is acceptable to others
- B. This phrase is a stereotypical reference to older adults that can be termed ageism
- C. This phrase admits that the older adult’s ability to learn new information is limited
- D. This phrase recognizes that all older adults have short- and long-term memory issues
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The phrase is a stereotypical reference to older adults, perpetuating ageism. It’s not comical, doesn’t imply learning limits, and not all older adults have memory issues.
The 62-year-old client is diagnosed with osteoporosis. Which medication, if taken by the client, should the nurse identify as posing a secondary risk factor for the client’s osteoporosis?
- A. Baby aspirin daily for past 4 years
- B. Escitalopram 5 mg daily for past 7 months
- C. Multivitamin for many years
- D. 10-year use of budesonide nostril spray bid
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Long-term corticosteroid use, like budesonide, is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Aspirin, escitalopram, and multivitamins (with calcium/vitamin D) do not contribute to bone loss.
The nurse is assessing the 50-year-old female client who is hospitalized. The nurse should assess the client for which physical changes associated with aging? Select all that apply.
- A. Increased sweat gland activity
- B. Decreased ability to read smaller print
- C. Weight loss due to hypermetabolism
- D. Increased sebaceous gland activity
- E. Absence of a menstrual cycle
Correct Answer: B;E
Rationale: Visual acuity declines, affecting near vision, and menopause causes absence of menstruation in middle-aged women. Sweat and sebaceous gland activity decrease, and weight gain, not loss, occurs due to slower metabolism.
Pre-hospital admission medications for the older adult client include warfarin and atenolol. Which statement made by the client should prompt the nurse to initiate a referral to a social worker?
- A. I crush my medications and take them with applesauce because they are hard to swallow.'
- B. I stopped taking my blood pressure pill; I can’t afford it, and my blood pressure is normal.'
- C. I feel more alert after starting to take ginkgo, but I forgot to ask my doctor if it were okay.'
- D. I have my daughter set up my medications for two weeks at a time in a medication bar.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stopping medication due to cost indicates a financial concern, warranting a social worker referral. Swallowing issues, ginkgo use, and medication setup require different interventions.