Which statements are true about aging and the brain?
- A. Most areas of the brain do not lose brain cells.
- B. Memory decline is inevitable as people age.
- C. Basic intelligence remains unchanged with age.
- D. The brain does not continue to make new brain cells.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because most areas of the brain do not lose brain cells with age due to a process called neuroplasticity. This means that the brain can adapt and reorganize itself by forming new connections between existing brain cells. Memory decline is not inevitable (B) as cognitive decline varies among individuals and can be influenced by factors like lifestyle and genetics. Basic intelligence can change with age (C) due to various factors such as experience and education. The brain does continue to make new brain cells through a process called neurogenesis, making choice D incorrect.
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The nurse is performing an assessment on an older adult client. What assessment data would indicate a potential complication associated with the skin of this client?
- A. Crusting
- B. Wrinkling
- C. Thinning/loss of elasticity of skin
- D. Crusting
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Crusting. In older adults, crusting on the skin can indicate a potential complication such as infection, dermatitis, or impaired wound healing. Crusting may result from dryness, scratching, or poor circulation. It is essential for the nurse to assess and address the underlying cause promptly to prevent further complications.
B: Wrinkling is a normal part of aging and not necessarily indicative of a complication unless it is severe and associated with other symptoms.
C: Thinning/loss of elasticity of skin is a common age-related change and may not always indicate a complication unless it is excessive.
D: Crusting is a duplicate answer.
The nurse is performing a basic assessment on an older client. Which of the following is a common age-related change?
- A. Decreased skin elasticity and thinning
- B. Increased muscle mass
- C. Increased cardiac output
- D. Increased renal filtration rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Aging causes decreased collagen production, leading to decreased skin elasticity and thinning.
2. Loss of subcutaneous fat contributes to the appearance of aging skin.
3. Wrinkles and sagging are common signs of decreased skin elasticity in older adults.
4. Increased muscle mass, increased cardiac output, and increased renal filtration rate are not typical age-related changes.
Summary: Skin changes such as decreased elasticity and thinning are common in older adults due to reduced collagen production and loss of subcutaneous fat. Increased muscle mass, cardiac output, and renal filtration rate are not typical age-related changes.
How does sarcopenia impact functional independence in older adults?
- A. It leads to increased body fat and reduced muscle mass, hindering mobility.
- B. It results in diminished lung capacity, reducing the ability to perform daily activities.
- C. It causes joint stiffness, leading to pain and limited range of motion.
- D. It significantly affects balance and mobility, increasing the risk of falls.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because sarcopenia, which is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, directly impacts balance and mobility in older adults. Muscle weakness from sarcopenia reduces stability and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. This affects functional independence as it limits the ability to perform daily activities safely. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as sarcopenia primarily affects muscle mass and strength, not body fat, lung capacity, or joint stiffness.
All of the following are characteristics associated with centenarians EXCEPT:
- A. Exercise.
- B. Smoking.
- C. Weight control.
- D. Delayed onset of disease.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Smoking. Centenarians are individuals who live to be 100 years old or older and smoking is a known risk factor for various diseases and premature death. Exercise, weight control, and delayed onset of disease are commonly associated characteristics of centenarians as they promote overall health and longevity. Smoking, on the other hand, has been proven to have detrimental effects on health and is not typically seen in individuals who live to be 100 or older. Therefore, the absence of smoking is a more accurate characteristic associated with centenarians.
In geriatric nursing, which factor is most important in determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation after a stroke?
- A. Age of the patient
- B. Family support and involvement
- C. Number of medications prescribed
- D. Patient’s previous health conditions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Family support and involvement. This is crucial in determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation after a stroke because a supportive and involved family can provide emotional support, encouragement, and assistance with activities of daily living. This positively impacts the patient's motivation, compliance with treatment, and overall well-being, leading to better rehabilitation outcomes.
A: Age of the patient - While age can be a factor in stroke recovery, it is not the most important factor as older patients can still make significant progress with proper rehabilitation and support.
C: Number of medications prescribed - While medication management is important in stroke recovery, it is not the most crucial factor for rehabilitation effectiveness.
D: Patient’s previous health conditions - While previous health conditions can impact stroke recovery, the level of family support and involvement plays a more significant role in determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation after a stroke.