Exam 30: Psychosocial Needs of the Older Adult

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.

A 79-year-old white male tells a nurse, "I have felt very sad lately. I do not have much to live for. My family and friends are all dead, and my own health is failing." The nurse should analyze this comment as which of the following?

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

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?

An older adult patient was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 18. A nurse at the outpatient medication clinic interviews this patient. Which communication strategy will be most helpful?

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?

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

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

Which statement about aging provides the best rationale for focused assessment of elderly patients?

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

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

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

A health care provider writes these new orders for a resident in a nursing home: 2 G sodium diet, Restraint as needed, Limit fluids to 1800 mL daily, Continue antihypertensive medication, Milk of magnesia 30 mL PO once if no bowel movement for 3 days. What should the nurse do?

A physically frail elderly patient with mild cognitive impairments needs the services of a facility that can provide supervision and safety as well as recreation and social interaction. The family cares for this patient during the evening and night. Which type of facility should the nurse suggest to meet this patient's needs?

A nurse assesses an elderly patient. The nurse should complete the Geriatric Depression Scale if the patient answers which question affirmatively?

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

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 whether which nursing diagnosis applies to this patient?

An elderly patient must be physically restrained. Who is responsible for the patient's safety?

What is considered the Silent Geriatric Giant?