Exam 28: Psychosocial Needs of the Older Adult

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

A new nurse says, "My elderly patient has Lewy body disease. What should I do about assessing for pain?" Select the best response from the nurse manager.

A student nurse visiting a seniors centre says, "It's depressing to see these old people. They are weak and frail. I doubt any of them can engage in a discussion." The student is expressing which of the following?

A nurse and social worker co-lead a reminiscence group for eight young-old adults. Which activity is most appropriate to include in the group?

What is considered the most common mental health disorder in the elderly?

A 75-year-old patient comes to the clinic reporting frequent headaches. As the nurse begins the interaction, which action is most important?

Discharge planning begins for an elderly patient hospitalized for 2 weeks and diagnosed with major depression. The patient needs ongoing assessment and socialization opportunities as well as education about medication and relapse prevention. The patient lives with a daughter, who works during the week. Select the best referral for this patient.

Which of the following is the highest priority for assessment by nurses caring for older adults who self-administer medications?

A community health nurse visits an elderly person whose spouse died 6 months ago. Two vodka bottles are in the trash. When the nurse asks about alcohol use, this person says, "I get lonely and drink a little to help me forget." Select the nurse's most therapeutic intervention.

Which assessment findings would alert the nurse that an older patient may have an increased risk for development of geriatric alcohol abuse?

In a sad voice, an elderly patient tells the nurse of the recent deaths of a spouse and close friend. The patient has no other family and only a few acquaintances in the community. The nurse's priority is to determine which nursing diagnosis applies to this patient?

A nurse plans an educational program for staff of a home health agency specializing in care of the elderly. Which topic is the highest priority to include?

For which of the following reasons is it difficult to diagnosis alcohol abuse in the older adult?

An 85-year-old has difficulty walking after a knee replacement. The patient tells the nurse, "It's awful to be old. Every day is a struggle. No one cares about old people." Select the nurse's best response.