Exam 35: Mental Disorders of Older Adults

A community health nurse assesses four patients between ages 70 and 80. Which patient has the highest risk for alcohol dependence?

A resident in a senior community has lost weight, feels depressed, and has lost interest in former social activities. The nurse asks, "When you last saw your doctor, did you share these problems?" The resident replies, "Yes, but the doctor said I shouldn't expect to feel good every day." Which barrier to mental health care is evident?

An older adult patient is severely suicidal. The patient has not eaten for a week and today began refusing fluids. The patient's physical condition is declining. The nurse should prepare for which intervention?

A community health nurse visits an older adult whose spouse died 6 months ago. Three vodka bottles are in the trash. The person says, "I get lonely and drink a little to help me forget." Select the nurse's most therapeutic intervention.

A nurse plans a staff education program for employees of a senior living community. Which topic has priority?

A major nursing responsibility in milieu management of a unit for older adults diagnosed with psychiatric disorders is to:

When assessing older adults, the nurse should pay particular attention to which demographic group with the highest suicide risk?

Which assessment findings related to a 68-year-old patient should be identified as risk factors for late-onset alcohol abuse and dependence? Select all that apply.

Which remarks by a 72-year-old patient should prompt the nurse to assess for depression? Select all that apply.

Which information is most important to obtain during assessment of an older adult with a mental disorder?

A patient living in community housing for older adults says, "I don't go to the senior citizens club. They play cards and talk about the past, because that's all they can do." The nurse analyzes that these remarks represent:

A 65-year-old patient is diagnosed with late-onset schizophrenia. Both positive and negative symptoms of the disorder are present. The patient has a history of atrial fibrillation. The nurse should prepare patient education materials related to:

An 80-year-old patient comes to the clinic reporting frequent headaches. As the nurse begins the assessment, which action should occur first?

A high priority for assessment by nurses caring for older adults who self-administer medications is:

An older adult patient with depression is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Nursing assessment should include careful collection of information regarding:

Reducing aggressive outbursts on a unit for older adults with mental disorders can be best achieved by:

Select the best plan for assessing an older adult.

The health care provider prescribes buspirone (BuSpar) for an older adult patient with generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol abuse. What is the nurse's expectation about the effects of this drug?