Nokea
Which of the following is a common side effect of benzodiazepines in older adults?
- A. Increased alertness
- B. Increased risk of falls
- C. Improved memory
- D. Enhanced muscle strength
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased risk of falls. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, leading to an increased risk of falls in older adults. This is due to the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, which can affect balance and motor skills. Increased alertness (choice A) is not a common side effect of benzodiazepines, as they typically have a calming and sedating effect. Improved memory (choice C) is also unlikely, as benzodiazepines are more commonly associated with memory impairment. Enhanced muscle strength (choice D) is not a known side effect of benzodiazepines, as they do not directly affect muscle strength. In summary, the correct answer is B because benzodiazepines can increase the risk of falls in older adults due to their sedative properties.
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Which of the following is the leading cause of hospitalization for older adults in the United States?
- A. Pneumonia
- B. Stroke
- C. Diabetes
- D. Congestive heart failure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pneumonia. Older adults are more susceptible to pneumonia due to weakened immune systems and other health conditions. Pneumonia can lead to severe complications requiring hospitalization. Stroke (B) affects a significant number of older adults but is not the leading cause of hospitalization. Diabetes (C) and Congestive heart failure (D) are prevalent in older adults but are not the primary reason for hospitalization. Pneumonia's severity and impact on older adults' health make it the leading cause of hospitalization.
Which of the following interview questions would be most appropriate when a nurse is assessing a client's respiratory function?
- A. Would you be interested in finding out more about environmental smoke?
- B. Did either of your parents experience lung disease?
- C. Have you ever worked in a job where you were exposed to dust, fumes, smoke, or other pollutants?
- D. What do you do to actively maintain your health?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate interview question for assessing a client's respiratory function is C: "Have you ever worked in a job where you were exposed to dust, fumes, smoke, or other pollutants?" This question directly relates to potential occupational exposures that could impact respiratory health. It helps gather specific information relevant to respiratory assessment. Choice A is unrelated to respiratory function assessment. Choice B focuses on familial history, which is important but not as direct as occupational exposure. Choice D is too general and does not specifically address respiratory issues. Therefore, C is the most appropriate choice for assessing respiratory function.
Which of the following interventions has been shown to delay the onset of dementia in older adults?
- A. Strict dietary restrictions
- B. Consistent mental and physical activity
- C. Regular social isolation for mental clarity
- D. Pharmacologic interventions to control hypertension
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Consistent mental and physical activity. Engaging in mental and physical activities can help improve cognitive function, increase brain plasticity, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Regular stimulation of the brain through activities like puzzles, reading, and learning new skills can help delay the onset of dementia. Physical activity also promotes overall brain health by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect:
A: Strict dietary restrictions may have some benefits for overall health, but there is limited evidence to suggest that it directly delays the onset of dementia.
C: Regular social isolation can actually increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, as social interaction is important for brain health.
D: Pharmacologic interventions to control hypertension may be important for overall health, but they are not specifically shown to delay the onset of dementia in older adults.
Which physiological change in the brain is the reason the nurse allows more time for answering questions with older adults?
- A. Increased secretion of cholinesterase
- B. Decreased secretion of neurotransmitters
- C. Loss of spinal cord and brainstem neurons
- D. Atrophy of dendrites in the cerebral cortex
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Atrophy of dendrites in the cerebral cortex. With aging, there is a natural decline in brain volume and synaptic connections, leading to reduced dendritic branching and synaptic density in the cerebral cortex. This affects processing speed and cognitive functions, requiring more time for older adults to respond to questions.
Rationale:
A: Increased secretion of cholinesterase is not a physiological change associated with aging that would require more time for answering questions.
B: Decreased secretion of neurotransmitters may occur with aging but is not the primary reason for slower processing speed in older adults.
C: Loss of spinal cord and brainstem neurons is not the main factor influencing older adults' response time to questions compared to atrophy of dendrites in the cerebral cortex.
The gerontological nurse collaborates with the wound care team about an older patient who has an ulcer. How is this nurse demonstrating leadership in the care of older people?
- A. Assessing older adults effectively
- B. Facilitating access to eldercare programs
- C. Coordinating members of the health care team
- D. Empowering older adults to manage chronic illness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Coordinating members of the health care team. This demonstrates leadership as the nurse is taking charge of organizing and communicating with various healthcare professionals to ensure the best care for the older patient. By collaborating with the wound care team, the nurse shows effective coordination and communication skills, which are crucial in managing complex cases in older adults. Assessing older adults effectively (choice A) is important but does not specifically address leadership in coordinating care. Facilitating access to eldercare programs (choice B) is important but does not directly demonstrate leadership in coordinating care. Empowering older adults to manage chronic illness (choice D) is important for patient education but does not directly show leadership in coordinating the healthcare team.