basic geriatric nursing test bank

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Which of the following best describes the concept of "cognitive reserve" in older adults?

  • A. It refers to the brain's ability to compensate for damage through enhanced neurogenesis.
  • B. It refers to the relationship between cognitive decline and physical health.
  • C. It is the brain's ability to maintain function despite age-related changes and pathology.
  • D. It is the process of developing new cognitive abilities later in life.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "It is the brain's ability to maintain function despite age-related changes and pathology." Cognitive reserve in older adults refers to the brain's ability to withstand age-related changes and pathology while maintaining cognitive function. This concept suggests that individuals with higher cognitive reserve may show fewer cognitive deficits even in the presence of brain damage or pathology.

Choice A is incorrect because cognitive reserve is not about compensating for damage through enhanced neurogenesis but rather about maintaining function despite changes.
Choice B is incorrect because cognitive reserve is not specifically about the relationship between cognitive decline and physical health; it focuses on maintaining cognitive function.
Choice D is incorrect because cognitive reserve is not about developing new cognitive abilities later in life but rather preserving existing cognitive function.

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Which of the following organizations have interdisciplinary membership?

  • A. Gerontological Society of America
  • B. National Gerontological Nurses Association
  • C. American Society on Aging
  • D. Association of Gerontology in Higher Education
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the Gerontological Society of America, because it includes members from various disciplines such as sociology, psychology, biology, and medicine. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a holistic understanding of aging. The other choices focus specifically on nursing (B), aging (C), or higher education (D), and do not encompass a wide range of disciplines like choice A. This makes them more specialized and less likely to have a diverse membership across different fields.

Which condition is often misdiagnosed as depression in older adults?

  • A. Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • B. Dementia
  • C. Anemia
  • D. Sleep apnea
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dementia. Older adults often experience cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes that can be mistaken for symptoms of depression. Dementia is a common condition in the elderly that can be misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms such as apathy, social withdrawal, and changes in sleep patterns. Chronic fatigue syndrome (A), anemia (C), and sleep apnea (D) may also present with symptoms of fatigue and sleep disturbances, but they are less likely to be confused with depression in older adults compared to dementia.

The nurse is performing a basic assessment on an older client. Which of the following is a common age-related change?

  • A. Decreased skin elasticity and thinning
  • B. Increased muscle mass
  • C. Increased cardiac output
  • D. Increased renal filtration rate
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Aging causes decreased collagen production, leading to decreased skin elasticity and thinning.
2. Loss of subcutaneous fat contributes to the appearance of aging skin.
3. Wrinkles and sagging are common signs of decreased skin elasticity in older adults.
4. Increased muscle mass, increased cardiac output, and increased renal filtration rate are not typical age-related changes.
Summary: Skin changes such as decreased elasticity and thinning are common in older adults due to reduced collagen production and loss of subcutaneous fat. Increased muscle mass, cardiac output, and renal filtration rate are not typical age-related changes.

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.

Decreased functioning of which physical structure is likely to result in decreased metabolism in older adults?

  • A. Kidney
  • B. Thyroid gland
  • C. Brain
  • D. Skeleton
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. In older adults, decreased thyroid function, known as hypothyroidism, can lead to a decrease in metabolism. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and slowed heart rate.

A: Kidney - While the kidneys play a role in filtering waste and maintaining fluid balance, decreased kidney function typically does not directly impact metabolism.

C: Brain - The brain plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, but it does not directly control metabolism.

D: Skeleton - The skeleton provides structural support and protects organs but does not directly influence metabolism.

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