Nokea
When assessing the elderly for depression, the nurse may find that a depressed person over 70 years of age without a medical diagnosis, may have the following symptoms of depression (Select one tha does not apply):
- A. Aches
- B. Pains
- C. Constipation
- D. One-sided weakness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: These symptoms (A, B, C, E) can be confused with other conditions like electrolyte imbalance or dementia, but are common physical manifestations of depression in the elderly. One-sided weakness (D) is more specific to stroke, not depression.
You may also like to solve these questions
A young patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is standing naked after showering and appears to be both dazed and indecisive. The nursing intervention that will be most helpful to promote dressing would be:
- A. saying, 'These are your clothes. Please get dressed.'
- B. saying, 'These are your underpants. I'll help you put them on.'
- C. asking, 'Which of these two outfits would you like to wear now?'
- D. asking, 'Is something the matter with your clothes that makes you not want to dress?'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. By saying, "These are your underpants. I'll help you put them on," the nurse provides clear guidance and offers assistance, which can help the patient feel more comfortable and supported in the dressing process. This approach acknowledges the patient's need for help while respecting their autonomy.
Choice A is too directive and may make the patient feel pressured or overwhelmed. Choice C involves too many options, which can be confusing for a patient experiencing indecisiveness. Choice D assumes a problem with the clothes rather than focusing on the patient's needs and feelings. Overall, choice B is the most appropriate and supportive intervention in this situation.
A nurse and social worker co-lead a reminiscence group for eight elite-old adults. Which activity is appropriate to include in the group?
- A. Mild aerobic exercise
- B. Singing a song from World War II
- C. Discussing national leadership during the Vietnam War
- D. Identifying the most troubling story in todays newspaper
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elite-old adults (100+ years) were young during World War II. Singing a song from that era (B) aligns with reminiscence therapy by sharing relevant past memories. Other options (A, C, D) are less tied to their life experiences.
A student transfers from a hometown college to a university 200 miles away after breaking up with her boyfriend of 2 years. She was slow to make friends at the university. The history shows a close relationship with her mother and sister. She began eating large quantities when she felt sad, and then she induced vomiting. When the student's schoolwork declined, she sought help from the university health clinic. During the initial interview, what priority issue should the nurse address?
- A. Losses
- B. Sleep patterns
- C. School activities
- D. Menstrual flow
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer, Losses (choice A), should be the priority issue for the nurse to address during the initial interview with the student. The rationale is as follows:
1. **Emotional Impact of Breakup**: The student's recent breakup is a significant loss that can trigger emotional distress.
2. **Social Isolation**: Slow to make friends at the university could indicate feelings of loneliness and isolation, further exacerbating the impact of the breakup.
3. **Eating Disorder Behaviors**: Eating large quantities and inducing vomiting are maladaptive coping mechanisms linked to emotional distress and loss.
4. **Academic Decline**: The decline in schoolwork could be a manifestation of the student's emotional struggles related to loss.
5. **Relationship with Family**: Close relationship with her mother and sister may also influence how she copes with losses and seeks support.
Summary:
- **Sleep Patterns (choice B)**: While important, sleep patterns are secondary to addressing the student's emotional distress and coping mechanisms related
A patient has not come out of her room for breakfast. The nurse finds the patient moving restlessly about her room in a disorganized manner. The patient is talking to herself, and her verbal responses to the nurse are nonsensical and suggest disorientation. The nurse notices that the patient's skin is hot and dry, and her pupils are somewhat dilated. All these symptoms are significant departures from the patient's recent presentation. The patient is likely experiencing ______, and the nurse should ______.
- A. anticholinergic toxicity"¦check vital signs and prepare to use a cooling blanket stat
- B. relapse of her psychosis"¦administer PRN antipsychotic drugs and notify her physician
- C. neuroleptic malignant syndrome"¦contact her physician for a transfer to intensive care
- D. agranulocytosis"¦hold her antipsychotic and draw blood for a complete blood count
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: anticholinergic toxicity. The patient's symptoms align with this diagnosis due to the disorganized behavior, nonsensical speech, disorientation, hot and dry skin, dilated pupils, and recent presentation changes. Anticholinergic toxicity can cause confusion, delirium, hyperthermia, and dilated pupils. Checking vital signs and preparing to use a cooling blanket are appropriate actions to manage the symptoms.
Choice B (relapse of psychosis) is incorrect because the symptoms are not typical of a psychotic relapse. Choice C (neuroleptic malignant syndrome) is incorrect as the symptoms do not completely align with this syndrome, which typically includes muscle rigidity and autonomic dysfunction. Choice D (agranulocytosis) is incorrect because it presents with low white blood cell count and not the symptoms described in the scenario.
In a sad voice, an elderly patient tells the nurse of the recent deaths of a spouse and close friend. The patient has no other family and only a few acquaintances in the community. The nurses priority is to determine whether which nursing diagnosis applies to this patient?
- A. Risk for suicide related to recent deaths of significant others
- B. Anxiety related to sudden and abrupt lifestyle changes
- C. Social isolation related to loss of existing family
- D. Spiritual distress related to anger with God
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient appears to be experiencing normal grief related to the loss of her family, but because of age and social isolation, the risk for suicide should be determined and has high priority. No defining characteristics exist for the diagnoses of anxiety or spiritual distress. The patients social isolation is important, but the risk for suicide has higher priority.