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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An older adult who lives in an assisted living facility tells a nurse that she is engaged in life review. The nurse understands which of the following about life review?
- A. Life review is only useful at the very end of an individual’s life.
- B. Life review and reminiscence are the same phenomenon.
- C. Life review is a highly personal activity.
- D. Life review can help an individual change course or set new goals.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Life review is a highly personal activity. This is because life review involves reflecting on past experiences, relationships, and accomplishments, which are unique to each individual. It is a process of self-reflection and introspection that helps individuals make sense of their lives and find meaning. Option A is incorrect because life review can occur at any point in an individual's life, not just at the very end. Option B is incorrect as reminiscence focuses on recalling past events, while life review involves deeper reflection and analysis. Option D is incorrect because while life review can promote self-awareness, it is primarily a reflective process rather than a tool for setting new goals.
In differentiating between health and wellness in health care, which of the following statements is true?
- A. Health is a broad term encompassing attitudes and behaviors.
- B. The concept of illness prevention was never considered by previous generations.
- C. Wellness and self-actualization develop through learning and growth.
- D. Wellness is impossible when one’s health is compromised.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because health refers to a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, encompassing attitudes and behaviors. Choice B is incorrect as previous generations did consider illness prevention. Choice C is incorrect as wellness and self-actualization can also be influenced by genetics and environment. Choice D is incorrect as wellness can still be achieved through various aspects even if one's health is compromised.
How does loneliness affect older adults' health?
- A. It has no significant impact on health
- B. It can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and depression
- C. It improves immune function
- D. It only affects mental health, not physical health
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Loneliness in older adults can lead to increased stress, inflammation, and unhealthy behaviors, all of which can elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and depression. Social isolation can also impact mental health. Choice A is incorrect as loneliness does impact health. Choice C is incorrect as loneliness typically weakens immune function. Choice D is incorrect as loneliness affects both mental and physical health.
On which biological theory of aging is the prevention of telomere shortening based?
- A. Genetic research
- B. Caloric restriction
- C. Oxidative stress
- D. Cross-link
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Genetic research. Telomere shortening is primarily based on the theory of cellular senescence, which is related to genetic research. Telomeres are protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Genetic research has shown that telomere shortening is associated with aging and age-related diseases. Caloric restriction, oxidative stress, and cross-link theories of aging are not directly linked to telomere shortening. Caloric restriction focuses on extending lifespan by reducing calorie intake, oxidative stress theory suggests that aging is caused by cumulative damage from reactive oxygen species, and cross-link theory emphasizes the accumulation of non-reversible bonds between molecules as a cause of aging.
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.