Which of the following is a sign of frailty in older adults?
- A. Increased muscle mass
- B. Unexplained weight gain
- C. Difficulty walking and balance issues
- D. Improved cognitive function
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C - Difficulty walking and balance issues. Frailty in older adults is characterized by physical weakness, decreased muscle strength, and reduced functional capacity. Difficulty walking and balance issues are key indicators of frailty as they reflect a decline in physical capabilities. Increased muscle mass (A) is not a sign of frailty but rather a positive indicator of strength. Unexplained weight gain (B) may not necessarily be related to frailty. Improved cognitive function (D) is unrelated to physical frailty.
You may also like to solve these questions
A retirement community is divided into different communities with different activities available for the residents. There is one community for individuals ages 65 to 74 years, one for individuals ages 75 to 85 years, and one for individuals older than age 85 years. This is consistent with which theory of aging?
- A. Role theory
- B. Disengagement theory
- C. Age-stratification theory
- D. Social exchange theory
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Age-stratification theory. This theory suggests that age is a powerful determinant of social organization. In the given scenario, the retirement community is structured based on age groups, indicating stratification by age. This separation aligns with the concept of age-based social hierarchies and differing opportunities and resources based on age.
Choice A (Role theory) focuses on how individuals adapt to social roles as they age, which is not directly reflected in the scenario. Choice B (Disengagement theory) posits that aging individuals withdraw from societal roles, which is not evident in the active engagement of residents in different age-specific communities. Choice D (Social exchange theory) emphasizes the relationships individuals form based on rewards and costs, which is not the primary focus in the scenario compared to the age-based stratification.
All of the following except ___are risk factors for an elderly person developing pneumonia.
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Neurological disease
- C. Heart failure
- D. COPD
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diarrhea. Diarrhea is not a risk factor for developing pneumonia in elderly individuals. The rationale for this is that pneumonia is primarily caused by respiratory infections, not gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Neurological disease, heart failure, and COPD are all risk factors for pneumonia because they can weaken the immune system or impair lung function, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections. These conditions can lead to aspiration, impaired cough reflex, or compromised lung function, increasing the likelihood of developing pneumonia.
A nurse is caring for a culturally diverse patient who has missed follow-up appointments. The patient says: “You don’t understand—in my culture, we don’t do things like that.” The nurse understands which of the following about the patient’s culture?
- A. The culture does not value Western medicine.
- B. The culture has a different orientation to time than Western medicine.
- C. The culture is an interdependent culture.
- D. The culture does not believe in preventative care.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The culture has a different orientation to time than Western medicine. This is because the patient's statement about not following up on appointments due to cultural reasons suggests a difference in the perception and importance of time. In some cultures, time is more fluid and flexible compared to the rigid scheduling of Western medicine. This understanding helps the nurse provide culturally sensitive care.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect:
A: The culture does not value Western medicine - This is not necessarily implied by the patient's statement about cultural differences.
C: The culture is an interdependent culture - The patient's statement does not provide direct evidence of the culture being interdependent.
D: The culture does not believe in preventative care - There is no indication in the patient's statement that the culture does not believe in preventative care.
What is the most common barrier to effective pain management in older adults?
- A. Fear of addiction to opioid medications
- B. Insufficient healthcare provider knowledge of geriatric pain management
- C. Inadequate access to pain management specialists
- D. Reluctance of older adults to report pain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because reluctance of older adults to report pain is a significant barrier to effective pain management. Older adults may underreport pain due to various factors such as fear of being seen as a burden, denial of aging-related changes, or belief that pain is a natural part of aging. This can lead to under-treatment of pain and decreased quality of life. Choices A, B, and C are not the most common barriers in this context. Fear of addiction to opioids, insufficient knowledge among healthcare providers, and inadequate access to specialists are important factors but are not as prevalent as older adults' reluctance to report pain.
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.