The nurse is performing a basic assessment on an older client. Which of the following is a common age-related change?
- A. Decreased skin elasticity and thinning
- B. Increased muscle mass
- C. Increased cardiac output
- D. Increased renal filtration rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Aging causes decreased collagen production, leading to decreased skin elasticity and thinning.
2. Loss of subcutaneous fat contributes to the appearance of aging skin.
3. Wrinkles and sagging are common signs of decreased skin elasticity in older adults.
4. Increased muscle mass, increased cardiac output, and increased renal filtration rate are not typical age-related changes.
Summary: Skin changes such as decreased elasticity and thinning are common in older adults due to reduced collagen production and loss of subcutaneous fat. Increased muscle mass, cardiac output, and renal filtration rate are not typical age-related changes.
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Which of the following organizations have interdisciplinary membership?
- A. Gerontological Society of America
- B. National Gerontological Nurses Association
- C. American Society on Aging
- D. Association of Gerontology in Higher Education
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, the Gerontological Society of America, because it includes members from various disciplines such as sociology, psychology, biology, and medicine. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a holistic understanding of aging. The other choices focus specifically on nursing (B), aging (C), or higher education (D), and do not encompass a wide range of disciplines like choice A. This makes them more specialized and less likely to have a diverse membership across different fields.
Which condition is often misdiagnosed as depression in older adults?
- A. Chronic fatigue syndrome
- B. Dementia
- C. Anemia
- D. Sleep apnea
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dementia. Older adults often experience cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes that can be mistaken for symptoms of depression. Dementia is a common condition in the elderly that can be misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms such as apathy, social withdrawal, and changes in sleep patterns. Chronic fatigue syndrome (A), anemia (C), and sleep apnea (D) may also present with symptoms of fatigue and sleep disturbances, but they are less likely to be confused with depression in older adults compared to dementia.
The nurse is teaching a client with COPD about proper use of an inhaler. What should the nurse emphasize?
- A. Use the inhaler only when you feel short of breath.
- B. Inhale deeply before activating the inhaler.
- C. Inhale rapidly after activating the inhaler.
- D. Use the inhaler as often as possible for maximum benefit.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because inhaling deeply before activating the inhaler ensures proper medication delivery to the lungs. This allows the medication to reach the affected areas efficiently. Choice A is incorrect because inhalers are often used preventatively, not just when short of breath. Choice C is incorrect as inhaling rapidly may not allow the medication to be effectively deposited in the lungs. Choice D is incorrect because using the inhaler excessively can lead to overuse and potential side effects.
A community health nurse provides a flu prevention workshop at a senior center. Which theory of aging underpins these activities?
- A. Free radical theory
- B. Immunologic theory
- C. Oxidative stress theory
- D. Telomere theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Immunologic theory. This theory of aging focuses on the decline in immune function as individuals age, making them more vulnerable to infections like the flu. The flu prevention workshop at the senior center aligns with this theory by aiming to boost seniors' immune systems to reduce their susceptibility to the flu.
A: Free radical theory attributes aging to the accumulation of damage caused by reactive oxygen species, not specifically related to immune function.
C: Oxidative stress theory is similar to the free radical theory in emphasizing the role of oxidative damage in aging, not directly related to immune function.
D: Telomere theory suggests that cellular aging is influenced by the shortening of telomeres, which is not directly related to immune function or flu prevention.
What is the most significant predictor of social isolation in older adults?
- A. Lack of access to healthcare
- B. Limited income and resources
- C. Loss of a spouse or close family member
- D. High levels of physical activity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Loss of a spouse or close family member. This is the most significant predictor of social isolation in older adults because losing a spouse or close family member can result in decreased social interactions and emotional support. This loss can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Incorrect options:
A: Lack of access to healthcare - While lack of access to healthcare can impact overall health, it is not the primary factor contributing to social isolation.
B: Limited income and resources - Financial constraints can affect social activities, but they are not as impactful as losing a loved one.
D: High levels of physical activity - While physical activity is important for overall well-being, it is not directly correlated with social isolation in older adults.