Exam 35: The Aging Individual

An elderly client is exhibiting symptoms of major depressive disorder. A physician is considering prescribing an antidepressant. Which physiological problem should make a nurse question this medication regime?

A nurse is conducting a class on fall prevention at a local senior center. In relationship to the slowed cognitive processing of advanced age, which teaching modification would be most appropriate for the nurse to implement?

A couple resides in a long-term care facility. The husband is admitted to the psychiatric unit after physically abusing his wife. He states, "My wife is having an affair with a young man, and I want it investigated." Which is the appropriate nursing reply?

An elderly client has met the criteria for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The client does not respond to antidepressant medications. Which treatment should a nurse anticipate that the physician would prescribe for this client?

Which psychiatric disorder would a nurse expect to see diagnosed in a client's later life?

A son who recently brought his extremely confused parent to a nursing home for admission reports feelings of guilt. Which is the appropriate nursing reply?

An elderly client who lives with a caregiver is admitted to an emergency department for a fractured arm. The client is soaked in urine and has dried fecal matter on lower extremities. The client is 6 feet tall and weighs 120 pounds. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

A nursing instructor is teaching about reminiscence therapy. What student statement indicates that learning has occurred?

A client diagnosed with middle-stage Alzheimer's dementia has difficulty communicating because of cognitive deterioration. Which nursing intervention is appropriate to improve communication?

An elderly, emaciated client is brought to an emergency department by the client's caregiver. The client has bruises and abrasions on shoulders and back in multiple stages of healing. When directly asked about these symptoms, which type of client response should a nurse anticipate?

A client has recently been placed in a long-term care facility because of marked confusion and inability to perform most activities of daily living. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to maintain the client's self-esteem?

A family asks why their father is attending activity groups at the long-term care facility. The son states, "My father worked hard all of his life. He just needs some rest at this point." Which is the appropriate nursing reply?

A client diagnosed with glaucoma is being discharged to an assisted living facility. In what way should the discharge nurse modify teaching to most effectively present information to this client?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau criteria, how would a nurse classify a 70-year-old man?