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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.
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Which of the following medications should be avoided in older adults due to the increased risk of falls?
- A. Beta-blockers
- B. Benzodiazepines
- C. Statins
- D. Antihypertensives
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion, increasing the risk of falls in older adults. They can also impair balance and coordination. Older adults are more sensitive to these effects due to age-related changes in metabolism and increased risk of cognitive impairment. Beta-blockers (A), statins (C), and antihypertensives (D) are generally safe in older adults and do not directly increase the risk of falls. Beta-blockers can sometimes cause dizziness but are more commonly associated with bradycardia. Statins are used to lower cholesterol levels and do not affect fall risk. Antihypertensives help lower blood pressure and can actually reduce the risk of falls by preventing conditions like orthostatic hypotension.
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 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.
In treating depression in older adults, which of the following is considered the most effective treatment modality?
- A. Long-term pharmacological therapy with SSRIs
- B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with antidepressant medications
- C. Antidepressant medications alone
- D. Psychodynamic therapy to address unresolved issues from early life
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with antidepressant medications, for treating depression in older adults. CBT helps address negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression, while antidepressant medications provide physiological support. Combining both approaches has been shown to be more effective than either treatment alone in older adults.
A: Long-term pharmacological therapy with SSRIs may have side effects and limited effectiveness in older adults.
C: Antidepressant medications alone may not address the underlying psychological factors contributing to depression.
D: Psychodynamic therapy may not be as effective in older adults as it focuses on unresolved issues from early life rather than targeting current depressive symptoms.
Based on current demographic data, which of the following statements identifies a predictive trend regarding the health care needs of society?
- A. Most nurses will not need to care for older persons.
- B. More nursing services will be required to serve the needs of the population older than 85 years of age.
- C. Fewer nurses will be needed to care for older adults.
- D. Older adults expect their quality of life to be less than that of earlier generations at their ages.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because demographic data shows an increasing aging population, leading to a higher demand for healthcare services for individuals over 85. This trend indicates a greater need for nursing services to cater to the specific health care needs of this age group. Option A is incorrect as the aging population will require more care. Option C is also incorrect as fewer nurses will not be sufficient to meet the increasing demand. Option D is irrelevant to the predictive trend of healthcare needs based on demographics.