Nokea
When caring for an older adult who repeatedly states their food does not taste as good as it used to, a nurse explains that which factors can contribute to loss of taste as patients age? Select all that apply.
- A. Decreased sense of smell
- B. Presbycusis
- C. Medications
- D. Diseases
- E. Tobacco use
- F. Presbyopia
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: As the patient ages, gustatory senses, along with sense of smell, some medications, and smoking can blunt the taste (gustatory sense). Presbycusis refers to the reduced ability to hear, and presbyopia refers to the inability of the lens to accommodate to near (or far) objects.
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A home care nurse is visiting a group of patients. Which patient does the nurse identify as having the highest risk for sensory deprivation?
- A. Older adult confined to bed at home after a stroke
- B. Adolescent in an oncology unit working on homework
- C. Pregnant patient in active labor
- D. Toddler awaiting same-day surgery in a playroom
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient confined to bed rest at home has a high risk for greatly reduced environmental stimuli. The other patients are in environments in which environmental stimuli are present.
A nurse is assessing a patient for gustatory disturbances. Which question asked by the nurse would be appropriate for this assessment?
- A. "Have you been experiencing any loss of taste or strange tastes lately?"
- B. "Have you smelled odors lately that others cannot smell?"
- C. "Can you tell me what object I am placing in your hand right now?"
- D. "Have you found it difficult to communicate verbally?"
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When the nurse asks: "Have you been experiencing any strange tastes lately?" the nurse is assessing for gustatory disturbances. The question: "Have you smelled odors lately that others cannot smell?" assesses for olfactory disturbances. When the nurse asks: "Can you tell me what I am placing in your hand right now?" the nurse is assessing for tactile disturbances. The question "Have you found it difficult to communicate verbally?" assesses for transmission-perception-reaction.
A visiting nurse conducts a visit for an 11-month-old infant. The nurse finds the infant lying on the floor, rocking back and forth with a flat expression, and few vocalizations. Which nursing action would be appropriate at this time?
- A. Assessing the type of stimulation the infant has been receiving
- B. Removing the infant from the grandmother's care as the child has not progressed.
- C. Explaining that their negligence has resulted in the child's speech delays
- D. Taking no action, as this is expected behavior for an 11-month-old infant
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Using the first step of the nursing process, assessment, the nurse determines if the types of stimulation given by the infant's parents validate that they understand the education provided at the parenting classes. The grandmother's reduced vision would not impact the child's speech. While the infant's development is not progressing, accusing the parents of negligence is premature.
A home care nurse is visiting an older adult with long-standing diabetes who reports pain and numbness in their feet. What education is most appropriate for this patient?
- A. Take acetaminophen or over-the-counter analgesic when pain occurs.
- B. Increase intake of foods containing vitamins B6, B12, and folate.
- C. Explain that phantom limb pain can become chronic, but psychosocial support can help.
- D. Validate the patient's understanding of foot care for patients with diabetes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Patients with diabetes can develop peripheral neuropathy resulting in loss of sensation and reduced blood flow. The loss of sensation can promote injury the patient does not readily notice. Therefore, those with diabetes must perform special foot care and visual inspection.
A school nurse is performing vision screenings on middle-school children. The nurse notes a student squinting and that their visual acuity using a Snellen's eye chart is 20/160. When questioned, the student states their grades have dropped, and they are having difficulty completing work on time. What is the best recommendation for the nurse to make to the student's guardian(s)?
- A. Purchase or prepare a calendar to organize assignments.
- B. Ensure the student understands what is expected of them in each class.
- C. Seek medical attention if the student has eye pain while at home.
- D. Obtain an appointment with an eye professional for further evaluation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Visual acuity of 20/160 indicates myopia; this student sees at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 160 feet. The impaired vision is interfering with their academic performance, and further assessment by an eye care professional is indicated.