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What is the highest priority for assessment by nurses caring for older adults who self-administer medications?
- A. Use of multiple drugs with anticholinergic effects
- B. Overuse of medications for erectile dysfunction
- C. Misuse of antihypertensive medications
- D. Trading medications with others
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Anticholinergic effects are cumulative in older adults and often have adverse consequences related to accidents and injuries.
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A community mental health nurse plans an educational program for staff members at a home health agency that specializes in the care of older adults. What topic is of high priority?
- A. Identifying depression in older adults
- B. Providing cost-effective foot care for older adults
- C. Identifying nutritional deficiencies in older adults
- D. Psychosocial stimulation for those who live alone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Depression is the most common, most debilitating, and also most treatable psychiatric disorder in the older adult. Home health staff are often better versed in the physical aspects of care and less knowledgeable about mental health topics. Statistics show that older adult patients with mental health problems are less likely than young adults to be diagnosed accurately.
A clinic nurse interviews four patients between 70 and 80 years of age. Which patient should have further assessment regarding the risk of alcohol addiction?
- A. One with a history of intermittent problems of alcohol misuse early in life and who now consumes one glass of wine nightly with dinner.
- B. One with no history of alcohol-related problems until age 65 years, when the patient began to drink alcohol daily 'to keep my mind off my arthritis.'
- C. One who drank socially throughout adult life and continues this pattern, saying, 'I've earned the right to do as I please.'
- D. One who abused alcohol between the ages of 25 and 40 years but now abstains and occasionally attends Alcoholics Anonymous.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The geriatric problem drinker is defined as someone who has no history of alcohol-related problems but develops an alcohol-abuse pattern in response to the stresses of aging.
A nurse assessing an older adult patient for depression should include questions about mood as well as which other symptoms?
- A. Increased appetite
- B. Sleep pattern changes
- C. Anhedonia and anergia
- D. Increased social isolation
- E. Increased concern with bodily functions
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E
Rationale: These symptoms are often noted in older adult patients experiencing depression. Somatic symptoms are often present but missed by nurses as being related to depression.
A nurse and social worker co-lead a reminiscence group for eight adults aged 65 to 70. Which activity is most appropriate to include in the group?
- A. Singing a song from World War II
- B. Learning how to join an online social network
- C. Discussing national leadership during the Vietnam War
- D. Identifying the most troubling story in today's newspaper
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Young-old adults (65?74 years) were attuned to conflicts in national leadership during the Vietnam War, making this activity appropriate for a reminiscence group.
Which beliefs facilitate provision of safe, effective care for older adult patients?
- A. Sexual interest declines with aging.
- B. Older adults are able to learn new tasks.
- C. Aging results in a decline in restorative sleep.
- D. Older adults are prone to become crime victims.
- E. Older adults are usually lonely and socially isolated.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Older adults are more prone to become crime victims, experience a decline in restorative sleep, and can continue learning new tasks, which affect care delivery.