What is the most significant predictor of social isolation in older adults?
- A. Lack of access to healthcare
- B. Limited income and resources
- C. Loss of a spouse or close family member
- D. High levels of physical activity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Loss of a spouse or close family member. This is the most significant predictor of social isolation in older adults because losing a spouse or close family member can result in decreased social interactions and emotional support. This loss can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Incorrect options:
A: Lack of access to healthcare - While lack of access to healthcare can impact overall health, it is not the primary factor contributing to social isolation.
B: Limited income and resources - Financial constraints can affect social activities, but they are not as impactful as losing a loved one.
D: High levels of physical activity - While physical activity is important for overall well-being, it is not directly correlated with social isolation in older adults.
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The nurse is performing an assessment on an older adult client. What assessment data would indicate a potential complication associated with the skin of this client?
- A. Crusting
- B. Wrinkling
- C. Thinning/loss of elasticity of skin
- D. Crusting
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Crusting. In older adults, crusting on the skin can indicate a potential complication such as infection, dermatitis, or impaired wound healing. Crusting may result from dryness, scratching, or poor circulation. It is essential for the nurse to assess and address the underlying cause promptly to prevent further complications.
B: Wrinkling is a normal part of aging and not necessarily indicative of a complication unless it is severe and associated with other symptoms.
C: Thinning/loss of elasticity of skin is a common age-related change and may not always indicate a complication unless it is excessive.
D: Crusting is a duplicate answer.
A community health nurse provides a flu prevention workshop at a senior center. Which theory of aging underpins these activities?
- A. Free radical theory
- B. Immunologic theory
- C. Oxidative stress theory
- D. Telomere theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Immunologic theory. This theory of aging focuses on the decline in immune function as individuals age, making them more vulnerable to infections like the flu. The flu prevention workshop at the senior center aligns with this theory by aiming to boost seniors' immune systems to reduce their susceptibility to the flu.
A: Free radical theory attributes aging to the accumulation of damage caused by reactive oxygen species, not specifically related to immune function.
C: Oxidative stress theory is similar to the free radical theory in emphasizing the role of oxidative damage in aging, not directly related to immune function.
D: Telomere theory suggests that cellular aging is influenced by the shortening of telomeres, which is not directly related to immune function or flu prevention.
A peak flow meter
- A. is used to administer inhaled medications in dry powder form
- B. gives feedback to determine whether the client is developing asthma symptoms
- C. is used to identify specific allergy trigger agents
- D. can only be used by a respiratory therapist or nurse with special education
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a peak flow meter is used to monitor and measure the peak expiratory flow rate, which helps determine if the client is developing asthma symptoms such as airway constriction. It provides feedback on the client's lung function, helping to assess asthma control and guide treatment. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a peak flow meter is not used for administering medications, identifying allergy triggers, or limited to specific healthcare professionals.
How does sarcopenia impact functional independence in older adults?
- A. It leads to increased body fat and reduced muscle mass, hindering mobility.
- B. It results in diminished lung capacity, reducing the ability to perform daily activities.
- C. It causes joint stiffness, leading to pain and limited range of motion.
- D. It significantly affects balance and mobility, increasing the risk of falls.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because sarcopenia, which is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, directly impacts balance and mobility in older adults. Muscle weakness from sarcopenia reduces stability and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. This affects functional independence as it limits the ability to perform daily activities safely. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as sarcopenia primarily affects muscle mass and strength, not body fat, lung capacity, or joint stiffness.
While testing the vision of an elderly client, the nurse finds that the client has decreased ability to accommodate (presbyopia). Which clinical implication would the nurse recognize?
- A. Blurring of vision due to increased intraocular pressure
- B. Difficulty reading small print and decreased ability to focus on objects at varying distances
- C. Narrowing of field of vision-loss of peripheral vision
- D. Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Difficulty reading small print and decreased ability to focus on objects at varying distances. As people age, the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, leading to presbyopia, which results in difficulty seeing close objects clearly. This explains the client's decreased ability to accommodate. This choice is correct because presbyopia specifically affects near vision, making it harder to read small print and focus on objects up close.
A: Blurring of vision due to increased intraocular pressure - This choice is incorrect because presbyopia is not related to increased intraocular pressure.
C: Narrowing of field of vision-loss of peripheral vision - This choice is incorrect because presbyopia does not affect peripheral vision; it specifically impacts near vision.
D: Sensitivity to light (photophobia) - This choice is incorrect because presbyopia does not cause sensitivity to light; it is solely related to difficulty in focusing on near objects.