Exam 30: Psychosocial Needs of the Older Adult

A patient living in community housing for the elderly 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 these remarks to represent which of the following:

An elderly patient brings a bag of medications to the clinic. The nurse finds a bottle labeled "Ativan" and one labeled "lorazepam," both of which are to be taken BID. There are also bottles labeled "hydrochlorothiazide," "Inderal," and "rofecoxib," each to be taken once daily. Which conclusion is accurate?

When determining whether an elderly patient's confusion is related to delirium or another problem, what information would be of particular value?

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.

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

A nurse assessing an elderly patient for depression and suicide potential should include questions about mood as well as which of the following? Select all that apply.

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

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.

A 76-year-old is regressed, indifferent, and responds to others only when they initiate an interaction. What form of group therapy would be most useful to promote resocialization?

A nurse leads a staff development session about ageism among health care workers. What information should the nurse include about the consequences of ageism? Select all that apply.

Which beliefs by a nurse facilitate provision of safe, effective care for older adult patients? Select all that apply.

Select the best comment for a nurse to begin an interview with an elderly 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?

A nurse wants to assess for suicidal ideation in an elderly patient. Select the best question to begin this assessment.