Question 1

Which technique is most effective when communicating with a client who is positioned in bed?

Accepted Answer

A)   Sitting in a chair at the foot of the bed
B)   Standing near the client's head on his or her dominant side
C)   Sitting in a chair at the bedside facing the client
D)   Standing at the foot of the bed C

Question 2

Which of the following are examples of elderspeak? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   A nursing assistant refers to one of her patients as "grandma"
B)   A nurse attempts to medicate a patient and states, "Now come on and be a good girl"
C)   A nurse explains a procedure to a patient using simple nonmedical terms
D)   A nurse makes sure that she is directly facing a patient who has hearing loss when she is speaking
E)   A nursing assistant tells a patient, "It is time for our bath now" A, B, E

Question 3

Which nursing statement shows a true appreciation for an older client's willingness to tell his personal stories about "the war"?

Accepted Answer

A)   "It's so nice to see them excited and engaged as they tell the stories."
B)   "It helps their memory so much to retell their stories."
C)   "I learn so much about clients when they share their life story with me."
D)   "They are so proud of the things they have accomplished in their life." C

Question 4

Which intervention is therapeutic when facilitating communication with a cognitively impaired older client? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Explain a task using simple, concise phrasing and one step at a time
B)   Give instructions to a group whenever possible to provide peer support
C)   Allow for additional time for the client to respond to questions or directions
D)   Use nonverbal as well as verbal cues to help get your message across to the client
E)   Speak loudly to gain and retain the client's attention

Question 5

A nurse manager is providing a novice geriatric nurse with guidelines when encouraging an older client to reminisce about his or her life and past experiences. Which suggestions will be included? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Don't correct the client even when you suspect the memory is incorrect
B)   When the focus remains on sad topics, assess the client for possible depression
C)   Refrain from interjecting personal stories into the reminiscing process
D)   Expect and respect a degree of repetition
E)   Use close-ended questions to help focus the reminiscing

Question 6

Which statement by the nurse is the strongest example of ageism by professional nurses?

Accepted Answer

A)   "It takes a special nurse to provide good care to the older population of clients."
B)   "It's difficult for a nurse to develop an effective relationship with an older client because of the barriers their age creates."
C)   "It is so difficult to find nurses who are truly effective geriatric nurses."
D)   "With the older population increasing so dramatically in numbers, nursing will have a difficult time meeting their needs."

Question 7

When caring for an ill adult client, the nurse is particularly concerned that the client communicates well since:

Accepted Answer

A)   assessment, planning of care, and even the therapeutic relationship is based on effective communication.
B)   it is the social connection that all individuals base interpersonal relationships upon.
C)   how well an individual communicates is a reflection on both his or her physical and emotional well-being.
D)   the need to communicate is a basic need of all individuals.

Question 8

When conducting an admissions interview with an older client, the nurse observes that the client pauses for a period of time before responding to the questions. The nurse responds to this client based on the assumption that the client is:

Accepted Answer

A)   exhibiting signs of mild cognitive impairment.
B)   nervous and having difficulty concentrating on the questions.
C)   reluctant to share information with someone with whom he or she has no relationship.
D)   sorting through his or her vast life experiences in order to answer appropriately.

Exam 6: Communicating with Older Adults