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.
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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.
Mr. J has been admitted to the hospital from her own home. The admitting nurse notes that the patient has severe edema in the lower extremities, no hair on the legs, and ulcerations on her feet. These signs and symptoms are most likely indications of:
- A. A diet low in protein
- B. Exposure to the cold from a lack of heat
- C. Frequent falls and injuries because of an unsteady gait
- D. Circulatory problems related to age and a chronic illness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Circulatory problems related to age and a chronic illness. Severe edema, hair loss on the legs, and foot ulcerations are indicative of poor circulation, often seen in conditions like peripheral artery disease. Age and chronic illnesses can contribute to circulatory issues. A diet low in protein (choice A) would not directly cause these symptoms. Exposure to cold (choice B) would not explain the specific symptoms mentioned. Frequent falls (choice C) do not align with the symptoms provided.
An older women tells the nurse that her husband seldom brushes his teeth as he did in the past. A reason why older clients stop participating in daily oral hygiene, such as brushing the teeth, include:
- A. Decreased manual dexterity and inability to hold a tooth brush
- B. Malocclusion of teeth
- C. Decrease in taste acuity
- D. Lack of dental insurance
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased manual dexterity and inability to hold a toothbrush. As people age, they may experience decreased hand strength and motor skills, making it difficult to hold and manipulate objects like a toothbrush. This can lead to a decline in oral hygiene practices. Malocclusion of teeth (B) does not directly impact the ability to brush teeth. Decrease in taste acuity (C) may affect appetite but not tooth brushing habits. Lack of dental insurance (D) is a financial barrier and may affect access to dental care, but it does not directly impact the physical ability to brush teeth.
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.
The holistic health movement has impacted health care in which of the following ways?
- A. It has focused health care on disease prevention.
- B. It has reshaped how health and health care are perceived.
- C. It has improved access to health care.
- D. It has introduced numerous alternative modalities into health care.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the holistic health movement emphasizes treating the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. This shifts the focus from merely treating symptoms to considering individual well-being and lifestyle factors. Choice A is not the best answer because while disease prevention is part of holistic health, it is not the primary impact on health care. Choice C is incorrect as the movement does not directly improve access to health care. Choice D is also incorrect as while alternative modalities are part of holistic health, they are not the main impact on health care.