The nurse’s assessment findings of the hospitalized older adult include: BP 96/64 mm Hg, P 118 bpm, RR 20/minute, weight 110 lb with an 8-lb weight loss in the last 3 months due to severe loss of appetite from chemotherapy, and BMI of 19. The client reports fatigue so does not go out, but is able to get around the house. Though tired, the client responds appropriately and clearly to questions and denies psychological issues. What score should the nurse assign to the client when completing the Geriatric Mini Nutrition Assessment?
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Score: Severe appetite loss = 0; >3 kg weight loss = 0; mobility (bed/chair but not out) = 1; acute disease (cancer) = 0; no psychological issues = 2; BMI 19 = 1. Total = 4.
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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 nurse has limited time to teach the middle-aged adult client. The nurse should initially plan to take which action?
- A. Provide brochures and handouts that the client can discuss with family members
- B. Make a referral to outpatient resources for the client to receive the needed teaching
- C. Establish the highest-priority learning needs and teach with each client or family contact
- D. Answer the client’s questions and leave the extensive teaching for the nurse on the next shift
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prioritizing learning needs ensures important teaching is completed efficiently during limited time. Brochures alone, referrals, or deferring teaching are less effective initially.
The nurse is caring for the hospitalized 60-year-old client of Korean American ethnicity. Which statement, if made by the client, correctly reflects the Korean American culture and should alert the nurse that intervention is needed?
- A. Since 60 is considered old age, I retired as expected. I’m now worried about insurance.'
- B. Value is on youth and beauty; so little attention is paid to problems of the elderly.'
- C. Fathers are expected to continue to contribute financially even for their adult children.'
- D. Grandchildren are raised by the grandparents until school age, so we have a full house.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In Korean American culture, 60 is considered old age, and retirement is expected, but this client’s concern about insurance requires a social worker consult for coverage options. Other statements reflect different cultural norms or lack specific cultural ties.
The nurse is admitting the older adult client to a nursing home. Which is the nurse’s best approach when obtaining information during the admission interview?
- A. Direct questions to the family member accompanying the client
- B. Speak clearly and slowly to the client using high-pitched vocal tones
- C. Take the client and family members to a private room without distractions
- D. Speak to the client loudly about familiar topics before asking questions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A private, distraction-free room respects confidentiality and aids focus. Directing questions to family, high-pitched tones, or loud familiar topics are inappropriate.
The nurse assesses the 75-year-old client and concludes that some findings are not age-related changes and require further follow-up. Which report by the client represents a non-age-related finding that requires additional investigation?
- A. Reports a decreased ability to see at night
- B. Reports seeing halos around lights
- C. Reports difficulty distinguishing some colors
- D. Reports diminished visual acuity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Seeing halos is a symptom of glaucoma, not an age-related change, requiring investigation. Night vision, color distinction, and acuity changes are normal with aging.
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