What is the most effective intervention to prevent skin breakdown in immobile older adults?
- A. Frequent use of powder to keep skin dry
- B. Application of a thick layer of moisturizer
- C. Regular repositioning and use of pressure-relieving devices
- D. Ensuring complete bed rest to limit movement
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because regular repositioning and the use of pressure-relieving devices are essential to prevent skin breakdown in immobile older adults. Repositioning helps redistribute pressure, maintaining blood flow to the skin and preventing tissue damage. Pressure-relieving devices such as cushions or special mattresses further reduce pressure on vulnerable areas. Choices A and B do not address the root cause of skin breakdown and may even exacerbate the issue. Choice D is incorrect as complete bed rest can lead to further complications like pressure ulcers. In summary, choice C is the most effective intervention as it directly targets the risk factors for skin breakdown in immobile older adults.
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Which of the following is a key sign of dehydration in older adults that differs from younger populations?
- A. Dark-colored urine
- B. Increased thirst
- C. Dry mouth and skin
- D. Confusion or cognitive decline
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Confusion or cognitive decline. In older adults, dehydration can manifest differently than in younger populations. Cognitive decline is a key sign of dehydration in older adults due to the brain being more sensitive to fluid loss. Dehydration can lead to confusion, disorientation, and impaired cognitive function in older individuals. Dark-colored urine (A) is a common sign of dehydration in all age groups. Increased thirst (B) is a general sign of dehydration but may not be as prominent in older adults due to decreased thirst sensation. Dry mouth and skin (C) are also common signs of dehydration but may not be as reliable indicators in older adults compared to cognitive changes.
Nursing interventions for the client with CHF include all of the following except_____
- A. education about daily weights, correct procedure and meaning of changes
- B. monitoring of clients as medications are introduced or titrated to therapeutic levels
- C. education about food esp. sodium levels
- D. assisting with upper endoscopy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because assisting with upper endoscopy is not a standard nursing intervention for CHF. Nursing interventions for CHF focus on managing symptoms, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. Choices A, B, and C are correct as they address important aspects of CHF management such as monitoring symptoms, educating on medications, and promoting a low-sodium diet. Helping with an upper endoscopy is unrelated to the management of CHF and falls outside the scope of nursing care for this condition.
Mr. J has been admitted to the hospital from her own home. The admitting nurse notes that the patient has severe edema in the lower extremities, no hair on the legs, and ulcerations on her feet. These signs and symptoms are most likely indications of:
- A. A diet low in protein
- B. Exposure to the cold from a lack of heat
- C. Frequent falls and injuries because of an unsteady gait
- D. Circulatory problems related to age and a chronic illness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Circulatory problems related to age and a chronic illness. Severe edema, hair loss on the legs, and foot ulcerations are indicative of poor circulation, often seen in conditions like peripheral artery disease. Age and chronic illnesses can contribute to circulatory issues. A diet low in protein (choice A) would not directly cause these symptoms. Exposure to cold (choice B) would not explain the specific symptoms mentioned. Frequent falls (choice C) do not align with the symptoms provided.
How does dehydration impact older adults more than younger adults?
- A. Older adults have a higher percentage of body water
- B. Older adults have reduced kidney function and thirst sensation
- C. Dehydration does not affect older adults more significantly
- D. Older adults are less prone to dehydration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because older adults have reduced kidney function, which impairs their ability to concentrate urine and retain water. Additionally, they may have a diminished thirst sensation, making them less likely to drink enough fluids. This combination of factors makes older adults more vulnerable to dehydration compared to younger adults.
Choice A is incorrect because older adults actually have a lower percentage of body water due to age-related changes in body composition. Choice C is incorrect as dehydration can indeed have a more significant impact on older adults due to their physiological changes. Choice D is incorrect as older adults are actually more prone to dehydration due to various age-related factors.
What is the most common barrier to effective pain management in older adults?
- A. Fear of addiction to opioid medications
- B. Insufficient healthcare provider knowledge of geriatric pain management
- C. Inadequate access to pain management specialists
- D. Reluctance of older adults to report pain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because reluctance of older adults to report pain is a significant barrier to effective pain management. Older adults may underreport pain due to various factors such as fear of being seen as a burden, denial of aging-related changes, or belief that pain is a natural part of aging. This can lead to under-treatment of pain and decreased quality of life. Choices A, B, and C are not the most common barriers in this context. Fear of addiction to opioids, insufficient knowledge among healthcare providers, and inadequate access to specialists are important factors but are not as prevalent as older adults' reluctance to report pain.