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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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.
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.
In the document “Recommended Baccalaureate Competencies and Curricular Guidelines for the Nursing Care of Older Adults” developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, recommendations include which of the following?
- A. Provision of a free-standing course in gerontology within the curriculum
- B. Integration of gerontological content throughout the curriculum
- C. Requirement of gerontological certification for all students before completion of a BSN program
- D. Structured clinical experiences with older adults across the continuum of care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Integration of gerontological content throughout the curriculum. This is because integrating gerontological content throughout the curriculum ensures that nursing students are exposed to and learn about caring for older adults in various courses, rather than just in a standalone course. This approach better prepares students to provide holistic care to older adults in different clinical settings.
A: Provision of a free-standing course in gerontology within the curriculum may limit exposure to gerontological content and may not provide a comprehensive understanding of caring for older adults.
C: Requiring gerontological certification for all students before completion of a BSN program is not mentioned in the document and may not be feasible or necessary for all nursing students.
D: While structured clinical experiences with older adults across the continuum of care are essential, this alone may not ensure that students receive a comprehensive education in gerontological care if the content is not integrated throughout the curriculum.
Mr J., an 80 yr old who has had flu like symptoms with diarrhea and has vomited 4 times in the last 24 hours is seen in the ED. Mr. J seems confused and is lethargic. The nurse notes that Mr. J has dry skin, a brown tongue, sunken cheeks and concentrated urine. This array of symptoms indicates:
- A. congestive heart failure
- B. dehydration
- C. urinary tract infection
- D. bowel obstruction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: dehydration. Mr. J's symptoms of flu-like illness, diarrhea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy, dry skin, brown tongue, sunken cheeks, and concentrated urine are indicative of severe dehydration. Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances, decreased blood volume, and impaired organ function, resulting in confusion and lethargy. Skin changes, dry mucous membranes, and concentrated urine are also classic signs of dehydration. The other choices (A, C, D) do not align with the constellation of symptoms presented by Mr. J and are less likely based on the information provided.
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.
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