Exam 31: Older Adults

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

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

Discharge planning begins for an elderly patient hospitalized for 2 weeks diagnosed with major depressive disorder. 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 remarks by a 72-year-old patient should prompt the nurse to assess for depression? (Select all that apply.)

An elderly patient brings a bag of medications to the clinic. The nurse finds bottles of medications as well as assorted pills in no containers in the bag. What is the nurse's priority action?

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

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

A student nurse visiting a senior center 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 beliefs by a nurse facilitate provision of safe, effective care for older adult patients? (Select all that apply.)

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

When making a distinction as to whether an elderly patient has confusion related to delirium or another problem, what information would be of particular value?

A patient asks, "What advantage does a durable power of attorney for health care have over a living will?" The nurse should reply, "A durable power of attorney for health care

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 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.)

A 76-year-old is 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 and social worker co-lead a reminiscence group for eight young-old adults. Which activity is most appropriate to include in the group?

An advance directive gives legally binding direction for health care interventions when a patient

A nurse assessing an elderly patient for depression and suicide potential should include questions about mood as well as (Select all that apply.)

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?

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.)