Nokea
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.
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Which common cognitive impairment is often mistaken for normal aging in older adults?
- A. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
- B. Alzheimer's disease
- C. Dementia with Lewy bodies
- D. Vascular dementia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is often mistaken for normal aging because it involves subtle changes in memory and thinking abilities that are beyond what is expected for age but not severe enough to be classified as dementia. Individuals with MCI may experience forgetfulness or difficulty with complex tasks, which can be misconstrued as typical age-related changes. Alzheimer's disease (B), dementia with Lewy bodies (C), and vascular dementia (D) are all forms of dementia characterized by more significant cognitive decline and functional impairment compared to MCI, making them less likely to be confused with normal aging.
A nurse in a long-term care facility is using the TimeSlips program with a group of cognitively impaired older adults. The nurse is using which of the following techniques?
- A. Provides a picture for all group members to look at and use to create a story
- B. Records the responses of all participants
- C. Compliments each member for his or her contribution to the story
- D. Reads the story back during the session, noting the contributions of each participant
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the TimeSlips program involves providing a picture as a creative prompt for group members to collaboratively create a story. This technique stimulates imagination and communication in cognitively impaired individuals. Choice B is incorrect as recording responses is not specific to the TimeSlips method. Choice C is incorrect as complimenting contributions is not a core component of the TimeSlips program. Choice D is incorrect as reading back the story during the session does not align with the collaborative, creative process of TimeSlips.
Which of the following is a key sign of dehydration in older adults that differs from younger populations?
- A. Dark-colored urine
- B. Increased thirst
- C. Dry mouth and skin
- D. Confusion or cognitive decline
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Confusion or cognitive decline. In older adults, dehydration can manifest differently than in younger populations. Cognitive decline is a key sign of dehydration in older adults due to the brain being more sensitive to fluid loss. Dehydration can lead to confusion, disorientation, and impaired cognitive function in older individuals. Dark-colored urine (A) is a common sign of dehydration in all age groups. Increased thirst (B) is a general sign of dehydration but may not be as prominent in older adults due to decreased thirst sensation. Dry mouth and skin (C) are also common signs of dehydration but may not be as reliable indicators in older adults compared to cognitive changes.
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.
Which of the following issues in the care of older adults are identified in Healthy People 2020?
- A. Delineating nursing staffing levels in long term care
- B. Eradicating pressure ulcers in all care settings
- C. Identifying minimum levels of training for people who care for older adults
- D. Instituting mandatory training in identification of elder abuse for all caregivers of older adults
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Healthy People 2020 focuses on improving the health and well-being of all individuals, including older adults.
Step 2: Identifying minimum levels of training for people who care for older adults is crucial to ensure quality care.
Step 3: This issue aligns with the goal of promoting quality of care and safety for older adults.
Step 4: Other choices are not directly addressed in Healthy People 2020 goals.
Summary: Choice C is correct as it directly relates to improving the care of older adults, while the other choices focus on specific issues not highlighted in Healthy People 2020.