Nokea
While assessing an older adult patient for mental health issues, the nurse pays special attention to the patient?s sensory function based on the understanding of which of the following?
- A. Most older adults follow a specific pattern of decline in functioning leading to gradual onset of problems.
- B. Sensory decline may affect the individual?s ability to process information, possibly influencing the findings of the mental status examination.
- C. Diminished sensory function can lead to changes in other body systems that may affect the individual?s reaction to prescribed medications.
- D. Changes in the senses can result in changes in cognitive abilities that mimic the manifestations of mental disorders.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sensory decline (e.g., hearing, vision) can impair information processing, affecting mental status examination results. Patterns of decline vary, sensory changes don?t directly alter other systems for medication reactions, and cognitive mimicry is possible but less primary.
You may also like to solve these questions
A group of nursing students is reviewing the physical changes that occur in older adults. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as contributing to the patient?s risk for drug toxicity?
- A. Reduced liver function
- B. Reduced brain gray matter volume
- C. Lower metabolic rate at rest
- D. Decreased body water
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Reduced liver function, common in older adults, impairs drug metabolism, increasing toxicity risk. Reduced brain volume, lower metabolic rate, and decreased body water contribute to other issues but are less directly linked to drug toxicity.
A nursing instructor is preparing for a class discussion on polypharmacy and older adults. Which of the following would the instructor expect to include?
- A. The risk for drug abuse, although present, is fairly rare in this population.
- B. Older adults often experience a greater risk for adverse reactions.
- C. Medications are usually prescribed in higher doses initially and then gradually reduced.
- D. Age-related pharmacokinetic changes enhance the drug?s therapeutic effectiveness.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Older adults face a greater risk for adverse drug reactions due to age-related changes in metabolism and excretion. Drug abuse is rare, doses are typically lower, not higher, and pharmacokinetic changes often reduce, not enhance, effectiveness.
The nurse is working as part of a team to help reduce the stigma attached to mental health treatment for the older adult population. Which of the following would be most appropriate to do to achieve this outcome?
- A. Provide education about mental health and mental disorders.
- B. Initiate screening programs for symptoms.
- C. Ensure older adults received integrated community care.
- D. Institute a wide range of social support services.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Providing education about mental health and disorders directly reduces stigma by increasing understanding and normalizing treatment. Screening, integrated care, and social support are valuable but less directly address stigma.
A nurse is preparing to conduct an assessment of a 79-year-old woman who has come to the clinic for evaluation. When performing this assessment, which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to do? Select all that apply.
- A. Dim any lights that appear too bright.
- B. Face the patient from the side.
- C. Use short, simple sentences.
- D. Focus on one topic at a time.
- E. Speak slowly in a shouting tone.
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Appropriate assessment techniques for older adults include dimming bright lights (A) to reduce glare, using short, simple sentences (C), and focusing on one topic (D) to accommodate sensory and cognitive changes. Facing from the side (B) is less effective than facing directly, and shouting (E) may be inappropriate or distressing.
While assessing an older adult, the nurse allows ample time for the patient to respond based on the understanding of which of the following?
- A. Ample time ensures that the correct answer is given.
- B. The patient is most likely experiencing irreversible memory impairment.
- C. The patient is experiencing decreased cerebral oxygen flow from reduced activity.
- D. Ample time is needed to weigh the pros and cons of the perceived risk for answering.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Older adults may have slower processing due to decreased cerebral oxygen flow from age-related circulatory changes, necessitating ample response time. Ensuring correct answers, assuming irreversible impairment, or weighing risks are less relevant.