What is the most common type of vision impairment in older adults?
- A. Cataracts
- B. Glaucoma
- C. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- D. Diabetic retinopathy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cataracts. Cataracts are the most common type of vision impairment in older adults due to the clouding of the eye's lens. As people age, proteins in the lens can clump together, leading to vision issues. Glaucoma (B) is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, AMD (C) affects the macula in the retina, and diabetic retinopathy (D) is a complication of diabetes affecting blood vessels in the retina. However, cataracts are the primary cause of vision impairment in older adults due to the natural aging process of the eye.
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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 of the following interventions is most effective in preventing the development of pressure ulcers in older adults with limited mobility?
- A. Strict bed rest and minimal repositioning to reduce pressure
- B. Use of high-protein diets and supplemental vitamins only
- C. Regular repositioning every 2 hours, along with the use of pressure-relieving devices
- D. Ensuring that all wounds are left uncovered to facilitate air circulation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because regular repositioning every 2 hours, along with the use of pressure-relieving devices, is the most effective intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in older adults with limited mobility. Repositioning helps to redistribute pressure, reducing the risk of tissue damage. Pressure-relieving devices like cushions or mattresses further help to alleviate pressure points.
Choice A is incorrect because strict bed rest and minimal repositioning can actually increase the risk of pressure ulcers by concentrating pressure on specific areas. Choice B is incorrect as high-protein diets and supplements alone do not address the primary cause of pressure ulcers, which is prolonged pressure on the skin. Choice D is incorrect because leaving wounds uncovered can increase the risk of infection and hinder the healing process.
A 78 yr old female presents to the ED with complaints of nausea and sudden onset shortness of breath. The initial workup includes ____________.
- A. upper endoscopy
- B. CT of the head
- C. liver function studies
- D. EKG and serial enzymes for determination of an MI
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, EKG and serial enzymes for determination of an MI. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms of nausea and sudden onset shortness of breath raise concern for a possible myocardial infarction (MI). Conducting an EKG and serial enzymes helps in diagnosing an MI by assessing for cardiac ischemia or injury. Upper endoscopy (choice A) is not indicated for these symptoms. A CT of the head (choice B) is unnecessary as the symptoms are suggestive of a cardiac issue, not a neurological one. Liver function studies (choice C) do not align with the presenting symptoms and are not a priority in this acute setting. Conducting an EKG and serial enzymes is the most appropriate initial workup to assess for a possible MI in this elderly patient with concerning symptoms.
When assessing the health status of super-centenarians in a long-term care facility, which statement is most accurate regarding their general capabilities?
- A. A significant number of super-centenarians are dependent on full-time nursing care for daily activities.
- B. Many super-centenarians exhibit a high level of functional independence despite their advanced age.
- C. The majority of super-centenarians are unable to engage in social activities due to health limitations.
- D. Most super-centenarians experience severe cognitive decline that affects their daily living.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because super-centenarians, who are individuals aged 110 years or older, often exhibit a high level of functional independence despite their advanced age. This is supported by research showing that many super-centenarians maintain physical and cognitive abilities that allow them to perform daily activities without significant assistance. This statement aligns with the concept of successful aging, where individuals maintain autonomy and independence in later years.
Option A is incorrect because a significant number of super-centenarians are not dependent on full-time nursing care for daily activities. Option C is incorrect as many super-centenarians can still engage in social activities despite health limitations. Option D is incorrect as most super-centenarians do not experience severe cognitive decline that affects their daily living.
Identify the best statement about gerontological nursing.
- A. Nurses have only recently become involved in the care of older adults.
- B. Gerontological care was the second specialty in which the American Nurses Association (ANA) offered a certification program.
- C. Purposes of gerontological nursing include the promotion of health and support for maximal independence.
- D. ANA certification is available only for gerontological nurses in research positions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because gerontological nursing focuses on promoting health and maximizing independence in older adults. This statement aligns with the core principles of gerontological nursing, which emphasize holistic care and quality of life for elderly individuals. Choice A is incorrect because nurses have been involved in caring for older adults for a long time. Choice B is incorrect because gerontological care was not the second specialty certified by the ANA. Choice D is incorrect because ANA certification is not limited only to research positions in gerontological nursing.
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