Question 1

A patient asks the nurse what the term polypharmacy means.The nurse defines this term as

Accepted Answer

A)   Multiple side effects experienced when taking a medication.
B)   The concurrent use of many medications.
C)   The many adverse drug effects reported to the pharmacy.
D)   The risks of medication effects due to aging. B

Question 2

An outcome for an older adult patient living alone is to be free from falls.Which of these statements by a patient indicates that teaching on safety concerns has been effective?

Accepted Answer

A)   "I'll leave my throw rugs in place so that my feet won't touch the cold tile."
B)   "I'll take my time getting up from the bed or chair."
C)   "I should wear my favorite smooth bottom socks to protect my feet when walking around."
D)   "I will have my son dim the lighting outside to decrease the glare in my eyes." B

Question 3

Which of these assessments of an older adult,who has a urinary tract infection,requires an immediate nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

A)   Presbycusis
B)   Confusion
C)   Death of a spouse 3 months ago
D)   Temperature of 97.6° F B

Question 4

A patient with gradual,progressive cognitive impairment (dementia)is admitted to the nursing unit after hip replacement surgery.Which of the following is a nursing care principle for care of cognitively impaired older adults?

Accepted Answer

A)   Maintain physical health.
B)   Evaluate the patient's manifestations of standard symptoms.
C)   Assist patient with all ADLs.
D)   Isolate patients to protect others.

Question 5

A 70-year-old patient who suffers from worsening dementia is no longer able to live alone.When discussing health care services and possible long-term living arrangements with the patient's only son,what should the nurse suggest?

Accepted Answer

A)   An apartment setting with neighbors close by
B)   Having the patient utilize weekly home health visits
C)   A nursing center because home care is no longer safe
D)   That placement is irrelevant because the patient is retreating to a place of inactivity

Question 6

The nurse correctly describes psychosocial theories on aging as theories that

Accepted Answer

A)   Describe role changes in behaviors in older adults.
B)   Emphasize that all adults age in similar ways.
C)   Stress the need for the aging to discontinue activities as they age.
D)   Describe behavior patterns for all aging adults as unpredictable.

Question 7

To promote physical well-being and socialization in an older adult,what should the nurse realize?

Accepted Answer

A)   Social isolationism is always a chosen behavior.
B)   Body image plays no role in decision making by the older adult.
C)   No community resources are focused on the older adult.
D)   Older adults may have a functional purpose in social arenas.

Question 8

An 80-year-old male is brought to the emergency department with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).He states that he quit smoking 30 years ago,so it can't be COPD.He argues,"It's just these colds I've been getting.They're just getting worse and worse." The nurse understands that

Accepted Answer

A)   These symptoms are more associated with normal aging than with disease.
B)   Older adults do not have to alter physical activity because of physical changes.
C)   The patient's age will require adjustment of lifestyle to one of inactivity.
D)   Older adults usually are aware and accepting of the aging process.

Question 9

As the aging population in the United States increases,the nurse knows that the

Accepted Answer

A)   Baby boomer generation accounts for a very small percentage of this group.
B)   Extension of the average life span has also increased.
C)   Population segment over age 85 is decreasing.
D)   Diversity of this age group will certainly decrease.

Question 10

Which symptom is an expected cognitive change in the older adult patient?

Accepted Answer

A)   Disorientation
B)   Slower reaction time
C)   Poor judgment
D)   Loss of language skills

Question 11

During assessment of an older adult's skin integrity,expected findings include which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   Decreased elasticity
B)   Oily skin
C)   Increased facial hair in men
D)   Faster nail growth

Question 12

An older adult patient has developed acute confusion.The patient has been on tranquilizers for the past week.The patient's vital signs are normal.What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

A)   Take into account age-related changes in body systems that affect pharmacokinetic activity.
B)   Increase the dose of tranquilizer if the cause of the confusion is an infection.
C)   Note when the confusion occurs and medicate before that time.
D)   Restrict telephone usage to prevent further confusion.

Question 13

A male older adult patient expresses his concern and anxiety about decreased penile firmness during erection.What is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

A)   Explain that over time, his libido will decrease, as will the frequency of sexual activity.
B)   Tell the patient to double his antidepressant medication to increase his libido.
C)   Tell the patient that this change is expected in aging adults.
D)   Tell the patient that touching should be avoided unless intercourse is planned.

Question 14

Which of these findings,if identified in a patient on a gerontological unit,would be most surprising to a culturally sensitive nurse?

Accepted Answer

A)   The older person not being functionally independent
B)   Preferences in food, music, and religion
C)   Use of conventions of the handshake, silence, and eye contact
D)   Personal health practices and spiritual resources

Question 15

Several theories on aging have been put forth,and the nurse should use these theories to

Accepted Answer

A)   Guide nursing care.
B)   Explain the stochastic view of genetically programmed physiological changes.
C)   Select one theory to guide nursing care for all geriatric patients.
D)   Understand the nonstochastic views of aging as the result of cellular damage.

Question 16

Which of these patient statements is the most reliable indicator that an older adult has the correct understanding of health promotion activities?

Accepted Answer

A)   "I need to increase my fat intake and limit protein."
B)   "I should discontinue my fitness club membership for safety reasons."
C)   "I'm up to date on my immunizations, but at my age, I don't need the tetanus vaccine."
D)   "I still keep my dentist appointments even though I have partials now."

Question 17

An older patient has fallen and broken his hip.As a consequence,the patient's family is concerned about his ability to care for himself,especially during his convalescence.What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

A)   Stress that older patients usually ask for help when needed.
B)   Inform the family that placement in a nursing center is a permanent solution.
C)   Tell the family to enroll the patient in a ceramics class to maintain his quality of life.
D)   Provide information and answer questions as family members make choices among care options.

Question 18

A recently widowed 80-year-old male is dehydrated and is admitted to the hospital for intravenous fluid replacement.During the evening shift,the patient becomes acutely confused.The nurse's best action is to assess the patient for which of the following reversible causes?

Accepted Answer

A)   Electrolyte imbalance
B)   Hypoglycemia
C)   Drug effects
D)   Dementia
E)   Cerebral anoxia

Question 19

A 72-year-old woman was recently widowed.She worked as a teller at a bank for 40 years and has been retired for the past 5 years.She never learned how to drive.She lives in a rural area that does not have public transportation.Which of the following psychosocial changes does the nurse focus on as a priority?

Accepted Answer

A)   Sexuality
B)   Housing and environment
C)   Retirement
D)   Social isolation

Question 20

One of the greatest challenges for the nurse caring for older adults is ensuring safe medication use.One way to reduce the risks associated with medication usage is to

Accepted Answer

A)   Periodically review the patient's list of medications.
B)   Inform the patient that polypharmacy is to be avoided at all cost.
C)   Be aware that medication is absorbed the same way regardless of patient age.
D)   Focus only on prescribed medications.

Exam 62: Older Adults