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.
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The nurse who volunteers at a senior citizens' center is planning activities for the members. What activity would best promote health and maintenance?
- A. Walking 3-5 times per week for 30 minutes
- B. Cooking healthy meals
- C. Reading and knitting
- D. Taking vitamins daily
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because walking is a physical activity that promotes cardiovascular health, strength, and overall well-being. Regular exercise like walking 3-5 times per week for 30 minutes can help improve circulation, maintain healthy weight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Cooking healthy meals (choice B) is important for nutrition but may not directly promote physical activity. Reading and knitting (choice C) are mentally stimulating but do not provide the physical benefits of exercise. Taking vitamins daily (choice D) is important for overall health but does not substitute for physical activity.
In managing older adults with multiple chronic conditions, which factor has the most significant impact on reducing hospital readmissions?
- A. Minimizing polypharmacy
- B. Frequent medication adjustments
- C. Home health care support
- D. Specialized geriatric assessments
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Home health care support. This is because having access to home health care support can provide ongoing monitoring, medication management, and assistance with activities of daily living, which can help prevent complications and reduce the need for hospital readmissions.
Minimizing polypharmacy (A) is important but may not have as significant an impact as continuous home health care support. Frequent medication adjustments (B) may lead to confusion and potential adverse effects in older adults. Specialized geriatric assessments (D) are beneficial but may not directly address the day-to-day support needed to prevent hospital readmissions.
An older man in a nursing home has high cholesterol (245 mg/dL). Which intervention helps him achieve the highest level of wellness?
- A. Instruct him about increasing dietary fiber.
- B. Ask the health care provider for a low-fat diet.
- C. Schedule a consultation for him with the dietitian.
- D. Review a menu with him to choose suitable foods.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because reviewing a menu with the older man allows for personalized food selection, taking into account his preferences and dietary restrictions. This approach promotes adherence to a healthy eating plan, leading to better cholesterol management and overall wellness.
Choice A is not the best option as simply instructing him to increase dietary fiber may not address his specific dietary needs. Choice B suggests asking the health care provider for a low-fat diet, which may not consider the individual's food preferences or cultural background. Choice C of scheduling a consultation with a dietitian is a good option, but it may not be as immediately accessible or practical as reviewing a menu together with the individual.
Which of the following is considered a key component of successful aging?
- A. Avoiding chronic diseases at all costs
- B. Maintaining cognitive function and social engagement
- C. Relying on medical interventions for every health concern
- D. Living independently without any assistance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Maintaining cognitive function is crucial for adapting to changes and problem-solving in older age.
Step 2: Social engagement helps combat loneliness and promotes mental well-being.
Step 3: Both factors contribute to a higher quality of life and overall well-being in older individuals.
Summary: A is incorrect as chronic diseases are common in aging. C is incorrect due to over-reliance on medical interventions. D is incorrect as independence doesn't necessarily equate to successful aging.
Which racial or ethnic group has the highest life expectancy in the United States?
- A. Native Americans
- B. African Americans
- C. Hispanic Americans
- D. Asian and Pacific Island Americans
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Asian and Pacific Island Americans. This group has the highest life expectancy in the US due to various factors such as healthy dietary habits, lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, access to quality healthcare, and strong social support systems. They also tend to engage in regular physical activity and have lower rates of obesity and chronic diseases compared to other racial or ethnic groups. In contrast, choices A, B, and C have lower life expectancies due to factors such as higher rates of poverty, inadequate healthcare access, systemic racism, and higher prevalence of chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.